With entries for Robotics & Automation Awards 2025 now open, Robotics & Automation Magazine has launched an exclusive series of Q&A interviews with the expert panel of judges responsible for evaluating this year’s submissions.
Over the coming weeks and months, the magazine will spotlight each judge – a dynamic mix of thought leaders, technical specialists and business strategists drawn from across the robotics, automation, AI and smart manufacturing sectors – to explore their backgrounds, industry outlooks and what they’ll be looking for in an award-winning entry.
From end users and integrators to researchers and investors, this year’s panel represents a diverse blend of practical and academic expertise – all of which will help identify the most transformative, scalable and commercially viable innovations driving the next era of automation and intelligent systems.
Our next judge is Matthew Wallis who has more than 14 years’ experience operating within the retail and logistics environment, merging practise between live operations and projects.
Having led a multifaceted logistics expansion programme for Lidl GB, he has significant experience in planning and launching conventional and automated warehouses. In addition to the infrastructure development of the programme, Wallis has also implemented the relevant systems to future-proof the network and the implemented technology.
Having recently delivered solutions focussing on sortation technology and high-volume storage utilising both ASRS and shuttle systems Wallis has a strong passion for solutions focussing on the synergies of human labour and supporting technologies.
Name: Matthew Wallis
Job title: Head of Infrastructure
Organisation: Lidl
How does your professional background align with the Robotics & Automation Awards’ goal of recognising excellence in automation and intelligent technologies?
Having worked within Logistics for 15 years I have seen rapid development within automated solutions both within Lidl and also through visiting numerous partner operations to engage and learn about the struggles of the industry, potential automated solutions and forecasted concerns / motivators for the rapid adoption of automation and technology.
This insight across the industry and through creating a strong professional network I fully understand the requirements and motivators of different operations / businesses. This has created a fantastic insight into what the customer wants and needs both now and in the future.
What current trends or technologies in robotics and automation are you most excited about, and how do you anticipate seeing them reflected in this year’s entries?
The development of AMR technology in different formats gives me great excitement as a scalable solution to implement in different environments to work in hand with a human workforce – this will act as a great bridge for the future. There are so many different AMR solutions available that fit into so many business models and offer scalability to suit growing organisations.
The development of robotics and humanoids in part with AI will be the most exciting and challenging future development for the industry.
From your perspective as a judge, what qualities will distinguish a truly standout submission?
Being a purchaser of solutions my biggest interest and excitement comes from scalable solutions and solutions which truly add value into pre-existing environments / infrastructures.
How do industry awards such as these help foster innovation, investment and commercialisation in the robotics and automation sector?
Industry awards validate ideas, concepts and solutions. Whilst generating conversation and network opportunities between suppliers, buyers and the wider industry. The benefit of creating a wider and more collaborative industry network really allows automation and robotics to thrive and continue to develop at a rapid pace.
Can you share an example of a robotics or automation innovation – either recent or historic – that you believe has had a lasting impact on the way industries operate?
Within the retail industry and the UK particularly change and innovation have been dramatic and continuous. Key online players have acted as a significant change agent in developing and pushing automation within the UK, however, as a nation we have some fantastic engineers and companies pushing boundaries and thinking about the next application of Automation, Robotics and AI.
What advice would you give to companies and individuals submitting an entry this year?
There are many ‘cool’ solutions on the market which demonstrate innovation and impressive engineering…. To really set your entry apart consider the impact on the organisation in both the long term value proposition and the implementation process of the solution and how this could be easily scalable in the present market.
Achievements and innovations in retail and e-commerce, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, automotive, transport & logistics, and more will be celebrated at the Robotics & Automation Awards on 29 October 2025 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Visit www.roboticsandautomationawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s robotics and automation sectors!
