Agnes Wamagui, knowledge transfer manager for robotics at Innovate UK, will outline how the UK’s innovation agency is helping organisations move from interest to implementation at Robotics & Automation Exhibition 2026.
Wamagui’s session, titled How Innovate UK Drives Robotics Adoption: Funding, Ecosystem Building and Industry Engagement, will take place in the Robotics & Automation Theatre on Wednesday 18 March (11:20–11:40).
Robotics & Automation Exhibition returns to the NEC Birmingham (Halls 6 & 7) on 18–19 March 2026 and is expected to attract more than 11,000 visitors from manufacturing, logistics and engineering-led sectors, with more than 250 exhibitors and 60+ conference sessions across the show.
The exhibition is co-located with IntraLogisteX and the Sustainable Supply Chain Exhibition, alongside the new Fulfilment & Last Mile Expo, bringing multiple parts of the end-to-end operations and supply chain technology landscape together under one roof.
In her talk, Wamagui will set out practical ways companies can access support and accelerate adoption, including:
- Funding opportunities available through Innovate UK for robotics and automation
- How challenge-led innovation links real industry needs with developer solutions
- How companies can engage with Innovate UK’s programmes, testbeds and wider innovation ecosystem
For businesses that have a strong automation ambition but feel stuck at the “where do we start?” stage, this is exactly the kind of session that can de-mystify the route to action.
The most valuable programmes are rarely just about grant money. The real unlock is using structured challenges and ecosystem connections to sharpen a use case, reduce technical risk and build credible pathways to deployment.
Wamagui is part of Innovate UK Business Connect’s Complex Systems team, focusing on robotics and AI. Her work centres on helping companies identify where robots can improve business processes and, where innovation is required, connecting it to expertise, funding and investment opportunities.
Innovate UK is part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and describes its mission as helping companies grow through the development and commercialisation of new products, processes and services, supported by an innovation ecosystem.
Wamagui’s presentation forms part of a two-day Robotics & Automation Theatre agenda spanning AI for robotics, flexible automation, robot manipulation, RPA delivery lessons and sustainability-focused robotics, alongside panels on UK adoption challenges and case study-led sessions from industry and research speakers.
Day one includes sessions on reconfigurable robot cell design using ROS 2, robotic manipulation and digital twins and a panel discussion exploring why the UK trails in robotics and what a practical adoption roadmap looks like. Day two continues with talks focused on AI-driven perception in uncertain environments, smarter warehouse decision-making and the competitive consequences of delaying automation.
Join more than 11,000+ industry professionals at Robotics & Automation Exhibition on 18–19 March 2026 at the NEC Birmingham to explore cutting-edge technologies, connect with peers and discover the latest innovations shaping manufacturing, engineering and logistics. Register for free to secure your place.
