What Engineers and Machine Builders Will Learn at Machinebuilding.North 2026

Free to attend for manufacturing professionals, the one-day event combines hands-on training, technical workshops and a sold-out exhibition of more than 140 automation solution providers.

Hands-on IO-Link training: practical implementation skills

New for 2026, the event introduces hands-on IO-Link training sessions, giving delegates the opportunity to work directly with real hardware and engineering setups. Attendees will learn how to:
- Implement IO-Link in machine applications
- Configure and parameterise IO-Link devices
- Integrate IO-Link with PROFINET
- Apply migration strategies and best practices

With limited places available, the sessions are designed to provide practical, applied knowledge that can be used immediately in machine design and integration.

Workshops: solving real machine-building challenges

The two-theatre workshop programme focuses on the key challenges facing machine builders and automation engineers today.

Engineering & Automation Theatre

Sessions will help attendees:
- Understand the impact of the new Machinery Regulation and how to prepare
- Apply best practices in machine safety and risk reduction
- Explore decentralised and cabinet-free automation architectures
- Address cybersecurity requirements under the Cyber Resilience Act
- Integrate robotics more efficiently using machine-centric approaches

Industrial Networks & Connectivity Theatre

Sessions will provide insight into:
- Standardising robot control and simplifying integration
- Protecting connected machines through Industrial Ethernet security
- Using IO-Link to improve diagnostics, flexibility and system performance
- Implementing networked safety systems such as PROFIsafe
- Applying emerging technologies such as APL and Single Pair Ethernet
- Enabling modular production through MTP and NOA

Learn, compare and apply solutions

Alongside the workshops and training, visitors can explore a sold-out exhibition of more than 140 automation suppliers, allowing them to:
- Compare technologies side by side
- Discuss specific engineering challenges with specialists
- Identify solutions relevant to current and future projects

A practical, time-efficient learning experience

In a single day, attendees can:
- Gain hands-on experience with automation technologies
- Learn from industry experts and technical specialists
- Discover new approaches to machine design and integration
- Identify solutions to improve performance, safety and efficiency

MachineBuilding.North 2026 takes place on Wednesday, 13th May in Manchester.

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