AI and the Future of Welsh Manufacturing - We're There!
The pace of AI development is accelerating, and its impact on manufacturing is no longer theoretical. The opportunity is significant but only for those who adopt early and do it well. We’re not in the business of fear-mongering, but the reality is clear: developer velocity has exploded, the tools already exist, and the focus must now shift from awareness to practical action.
Welsh Manufacturing AI Showcase
Myself and Steph Locke will be attending a Welsh manufacturing showcase event on Wednesday 25 February, bringing together SMEs, technology leaders, and innovation partners at The Welding Institute and the High Value Manufacturing Catapult.
The event, titled “AI – Massive risk or opportunity? What’s your AI strategy?”, is organised by HVM Catapult as part of the Welsh Government’s High Value Manufacturing Cluster. It is designed to help Welsh manufacturers accelerate their digital and AI journey through hands-on demonstrations, practical insights, and direct engagement with experts working at the forefront of industrial innovation.
The timing is particularly good for us, as we have recently partnered with both institutions on a funded innovation project.
Building Partnerships to Accelerate Industrial AI
During the event, we’ll be meeting new partners from TWI and HVM Catapult to explore collaboration opportunities focused on AI-enabled productivity, optimisation, and sustainability in manufacturing.
- Morning session – TWI Technology Centre, Port Talbot Hands-on demonstrations including robotic inspection cells, X-ray and CT scanning, and automated guided vehicles.
- Afternoon session – HVM Catapult Digital Factory Hub, Baglan Live demonstrations of collaborative robots, smart workbenches, and immersive virtual-reality environments.
Supporting Welsh SMEs on the AI Journey
For us at Nightingale HQ, the event closely aligns with our mission to support manufacturers particularly SMEs in using AI to reduce waste, improve planning, and make better operational decisions. By engaging with organisations such as TWI and HVM Catapult, we continue to strengthen partnerships that bridge cutting-edge research, applied innovation, and deployable software solutions that work in real factory environments.