Richard Brentnall, a global supply chain leader with more than 23 years of international experience across FMCG, retail, and consumer sectors, will explain what global supply chains must fix at Robotics & Automation Exhibition 2026.
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.
Brentnall’s session, titled “Automation Failed To Save us” – What Global Supply Chains Must Fix Before Robots and AI Can Deliver Anything, will take place Robotics & Automation Theatre on Wednesday 18 March (10:00–10:20).
In his talk, Bretnall will set out practical ways companies can automate properly before implementing robotics. The talk will consist of:
- Why most automation programmes fail long before any robot arrives
- How to prepare planning, data, and operating models so automation can actually scale
- The leadership blueprint for delivering automation that improves service, cost, and resilience
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.
Bretnall is the group logistics director at Nomad Foods where he oversees supply chain operations across 15 international markets. He also speaks on operational resilience, automation strategy, and the future of global supply chains. Richard holds an MEng, ASE, and is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport.
Nomad Foods is one of Europe’s leading frozen food company, headquartered in the UK, manufacturing and distributing products to supermarket chains such as fish, vegetables, and ready meals.
Bretnall’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.
