A NEW feasibility study commissioned by the Danish Embassy in Prague has identified a €31-55m market opportunity for Danish automation technology in Czech manufacturing over the next three to five years, with Danish suppliers positioned to capture 8-12% of this growing segment.

Labour crisis drives automation demand

The research, conducted by global automation platform HowToRobot, found that Czech manufacturers face unprecedented pressure to automate due to persistent labour shortages - 264,000 job vacancies nationwide - and rapidly rising labour costs that have increased 83% since 2016. These conditions create compelling demand for automation solutions that Czech SMEs have historically found too complex or expensive to implement.

"Many Czech SMEs are using manual procedures in production, but are increasingly aware of the need to automate and its advantages," said Lars Gade Holm, head of trade at the Danish Embassy in Prague. "What we have found is that Danish robot technology is well-positioned to address the SMEs’ challenges, offer solutions to become more competitive, and replace and automate work processes done by skilled workers that are not easily found in the Czech market."

Danish solutions match Czech needs

The study identified ten priority automation applications – including material handling, welding, assembly, screwdriving, and machine tending – where Danish technological strengths directly match Czech manufacturing needs. A key differentiator is that many Danish solutions are designed as ready-made packages that Czech integrators can configure and deploy without extensive custom programming, making projects faster and more profitable to deliver.

"The key advantage of many Danish solutions is that they're easily accessible for local integrators to deliver and configure," stated Mikkel Viager, principal advisor at HowToRobot. "Integrators can deploy these solutions faster and more cost-effectively because they come as ready-made packages rather than requiring extensive programming. This makes projects more profitable for integrators and more affordable for end customers."

These solutions also enable end-users to adapt to production change - such as introducing new products - without programming knowledge or constant external support, while modular designs allow incremental investment as businesses grow.

Partnership model key to success

The study emphasises that market success depends on partnerships with local Czech integrators who provide implementation expertise, local language support, and ongoing maintenance. The research identified 146+ Czech automation integrators operating across the ten priority applications, confirming sufficient local capacity for meaningful technology adoption. The target market includes 6,764 manufacturing SMEs with 10-249 employees across key sectors, including fabricated metal products, general engineering, plastics and rubber, and food and beverage.

With Czech robot density having doubled from 101 to 207 units per 10,000 employees between 2016 and 2023, the country is rapidly approaching the EU average of 219 units. Even assuming conservative growth rates, Czech manufacturers will require between 1,223 and 2,197 additional automation systems over the next three to five years to maintain competitiveness.

Embassy support for market entry

The Danish Embassy in Prague is developing concrete support packages to facilitate connections between Danish suppliers and Czech integrators, including market visits, matchmaking events, and technical presentations. "We want to bring Danish robot companies to present solutions to Czech integrators," Holm continued. "Danish robot technologies aren't always complete solutions – they're components or specialised systems that need local integration. That's why connecting with Czech partners is essential."

The feasibility study analysed market data from HowToRobot, the Czech Chamber of Commerce, Eurostat, and the International Federation of Robotics, supplemented by extensive interviews with Czech manufacturers, automation integrators, and Danish technology suppliers.

howtorobot.com

The major project was completed on time and work was delivered efficiently, minimising disruption for road users and having a positive overall impact by delivering a better road surface.

Delivered in two distinct phases, the initial works were carried out exclusively during night-time hours (22:00 – 5:00) minimising disruption on this major motorway route. Associated Asphalt undertook the resurfacing of 12km of the M4 eastbound carriageway.

Jet had a three-hour planing window to allow the surfacing operation sufficient time for the laying and curing of the new material, time for the application of the new white lines and the removal of the traffic management, carriageway closure before the strict morning deadline.

The scope included sections of all four lanes, including the main carriageway and hard shoulder, with planing depths up to 100mm deep. To accelerate delivery, the project deployed dual planing and surfacing gangs working together, effectively doubling nightly output.

"This has been a key project for Jet over the last couple of months. We partnered with Associated Asphalt, assisting their team in successfully delivering the high demand project as planned," stated Richard Lovell, contracts manager at Jet Plant Hire.

"We were initially asked to deliver works on the eastbound carriageway between junctions 13 and 12. Due to the success of that project and our strong collaboration with the Associated Asphalt team, we were then asked to support with the same scope of works on the westbound carriageway.

"Our planing services, support equipment and close coordination was absolutely vital in maintaining momentum throughout the project. We’re delighted to have completed the project and ensured a vital motorway continues to operate."

Over the course of the project, the Jet team planed out and transported approximately 21,000 tonnes of material for recycling or reuse. The success of Jet’s partnership with Associated Asphalt meant the company were then also appointed to complete the same works on the westbound carriageway. Those works have also now been completed.

"Jet were fantastic partners throughout the M4 project. They approached every challenge with a positive, can-do attitude and never once complained about the large tonnages we needed removed within a very restricted working window," said Richard Bowling area manager at Associated Asphalt.

"Their honesty, collaboration, and commitment helped us achieve excellent outputs. The quality and reliability of their equipment were outstanding, and I’d have no hesitation in working with them again on important projects in the future like this one."

jetplant.co.uk

What began with initial projects, such as door stoppers and tank caps, has grown into a long-term partnership. Replique now serves as a global supplier for numerous projects and subsidiaries, including locations in Singapore, Brazil, Australia, France, Italy, Germany, Thailand, and Spain.

One Partner, Every Manufacturing Technology

With Replique, Alstom benefits from having a single partner for a wide range of manufacturing technologies. Whether 3D printing, CNC machining, casting, forging, or other processes, Replique evaluates each component to determine the most cost-effective and technically optimal solution. When needed, Replique manages the entire process, from design and qualification to production, finishing, quality assurance, and delivery to the end customer.

A single audit is sufficient to access Replique’s entire global partner network of more than 350 suppliers. Critical components are also qualified on-site when necessary.

High-Quality Components for Worldwide Operations

Replique has already produced volumes in the lower five-digit range for Alstom. These parts - made from materials ranging from stainless steel to flame-retardant plastics - are in daily use across railway operations, with all of them meeting Alstom’s specific testing and qualification requirements.

"We are proud to provide Alstom with global solutions that make their parts supply more efficient and flexible. Our components are used in series production, and each project highlights the diverse challenges of parts procurement while motivating us in our vision of a globally connected, sustainable, and efficient supply chain," said Max Siebert, CEO and co-founder of Replique.

Practical Examples of the Collaboration

The versatility of this partnership is evident: an impeller in a metro solution cooling unit in Asia needed replacement. While the original manufacturer only offered to replace the entire block, Replique produced the single component and handled every step of the process, from metal 3D printing and balancing to precision milling and final corrosion-resistant coating. This sustainable solution allowed the locomotive to be returned to service quickly. 

In Italy, Replique quickly delivered cast intercoolers to restore a train from the 1960s. Since the previous supplier was no longer available, Replique ensured production using 3D-printed casting molds, securing long-term spare part availability. 

Additionally, for new series of Alstom trains, Replique supplies branding plates worldwide. "Replique doesn’t just deliver the components; it ensures consistently high quality across the globe, which is especially crucial for series production," explained Lorenzo Gasparoni, Alstom 3D printing program manager. "Replique also completed the entire series approval process, including First Article Inspection and First Article Mount - with excellent results."

www.replique.io

The project is being part-funded by Innovate UK, the UK’s national innovation agency, alongside strategic investment from Enginuity, who join as a lead partner supporting the educational, skills-development and industry-focused impact of the exhibition. Enginuity, the former Sector Skills Body (previously known as Semta), is a charity dedicated to closing the skills gaps in the UK’s engineering and manufacturing sector. 

"Since we launched Kids Invent Stuff, our dream has always been to create a space where children can see their ideas brought to life and feel the excitement of real engineering up close. Thanks to the support of Innovate UK, Enginuity and Gulliver’s Valley, we can now build a permanent home for invention - a place where every child can experiment, explore and realise that their ideas have value. We’re so excited to open the doors in 2026," said Ruth Amos, inventor and co-founder at Kids Invent Stuff.

Their mission to unlock engineering potential across the UK, is one that aligns directly with the project’s aim to inspire the next generation of problem-solvers.

Gulliver's Valley has also joined as a key delivery partner, providing the building and land in kind to house the exhibition. Their support ensures the experience becomes a long-term part of the park’s educational and family offer, accessible to thousands of children every year.

The exhibition marks a major milestone for Kids Invent Stuff - transitioning their YouTube platform into a permanent, physical visitor attraction. It will showcase real inventions submitted by children aged 4 to 11, brought to life by the Kids Invent Stuff engineering team, alongside hands-on activities, build zones and interactive STEAM experiences.

"It’s a real honour to facilitate the development of this exciting new space for children to develop their skills, explore their creativity and immerse themselves in STEAM experiences," affirmed Julie Dalton, MD of Gulliver’s Theme Park Resorts. 

"Providing learning opportunities such as this is something very close to our hearts here at Gulliver’s and we can’t wait to see the Kids Invent Stuff exhibition arrive at Gulliver’s Valley next year."

Designed and fabricated in Kids Invent Stuff’s Derbyshire workshop, the new space will become a dedicated hub for invention-led learning, hosting:

• School trips and curriculum-linked workshops
• Family-friendly maker activities
• Live demonstrations and engineering shows
• Community and outreach sessions
• Rotating displays of children’s invention ideas

The exhibition represents a permanent legacy for the organisation, significantly expanding its ability to engage young people in engineering, creativity and design.

"We are thrilled to support Kids Invent Stuff in bringing you people’s ideas to life through this exciting new exhibition at Gulliver’s Valley. Giving young people hands-on experience of engineering and creativity is exactly how we can inspire the next generation of problem-solvers and engineers. Initiatives like this help children see that their ideas have real value, spark curiosity, and encourage practical problem-solving skills," stated Nicola Dolan, associate director of charity impact and operations at Enginuity. 

"By connecting young people with the world of engineering and manufacturing at an early age, we are reshaping perceptions of the industry, inspiring future engineers and innovators, and addressing the skills gaps facing the UK’s engineering and manufacturing sector."

The exhibition will open in Spring/Summer 2026, with further updates released throughout the year.

kidsinventstuff.com

THE ADOPTION of AI in industrial contexts is still recent, with limited pilot implementations and proofs of concept despite high expectations. As AI systems move from experimentation to practical application, leaders are under pressure to demonstrate value beyond technical capabilities.

"AI will stop behaving like a side project and start behaving as infrastructure," said Giedrė Rajuncė, CEO and co-founder of GREÏ, an AI-powered process intelligence platform for large physical sites. "But the uncomfortable truth is that most organisations are still applying AI to broken processes. In 2026, success will come from redesigning operations first, then using AI as a force multiplier."

According to Rajuncė, leaders preparing for the next phase of AI-driven operations must start by fixing the fundamentals - simplifying workflows before introducing automation and treating AI as a co-worker rather than a replacement. This also means investing in strong data foundations, security, and governance, while favouring interoperable platforms over fragmented tool stacks.

In this context, several AI and deep-tech trends stand out as genuinely transformative for industrial operations in 2026.

1. Agentic AI systems replace dashboards with action

One of the biggest shifts in 2026 will be the rise of agentic AI systems, which autonomously execute workflows across operations. “One example that illustrates the potential of these agents is an on-site accident scenario. Rather than alerting a manager, an AI agent can initiate a work order, contact the relevant vendor, check parts availability, and coordinate scheduling, handling the operational response with minimal human involvement,” explained Rajuncė.

However, these capabilities also expose weak foundations. Gartner predicts that 40% of agentic AI projects will fail by 2027 because they are misapplied and lack a singular business issue to address. In practice, this means agentic AI amplifies both strengths and inefficiencies, forcing leaders to confront operational reality faster than ever before.

2. Physical AI and industrial robotics move to orchestration

AI is rapidly moving from software into the physical world through intelligent robotics. The World Economic Forum identifies three systems that will increasingly coexist: rule-based robotics for predictable tasks, training-based robotics for variable environments, and context-based robotics for unpredictable conditions. This shift is already delivering measurable results, with AI-orchestrated fulfilment centres achieving faster delivery times and more skilled operational roles.

While specialised systems drive current gains, humanoid robots are expected to scale rapidly over the next decade, with projections of 13 million units by 2035, as organisations begin orchestrating physical AI across machines, people, and processes in real time.

3. Domain-specific AI models overtake generic generative AI

While generic large language models continue to dominate headlines, their limitations in industrial environments are becoming increasingly clear. Lacking context about specific facilities, equipment, and safety constraints, generic models risk producing inaccurate or even dangerous outputs. By contrast, domain-specific language models tailored for manufacturing, logistics, and construction are proving far more effective. Some estimates predict that by 2028, more than half of enterprise GenAI deployments will rely on such specialised models.

"Generic GenAI is overhyped for industrial use," Rajuncė continued. "A model that doesn’t understand your HVAC system, wiring, asset history, or safety thresholds is a liability. In physical environments, context isn’t a nice-to-have; it’s the difference between insight and risk. That’s why domain-specific models are overtaking generic ones in serious industrial deployments."

4. Multimodal AI unlocks real-time operational intelligence

By 2026, multimodal AI systems capable of processing text, images, video, sound, and sensor data simultaneously will become mainstream. For industrial operations, this enables entirely new forms of situational awareness.

For example, in manufacturing, vision systems can correlate visual defects with vibration patterns, acoustic signals, and thermal data. In construction and logistics, drone footage can be analysed alongside equipment telematics and structural sensor inputs. The result is significantly higher accuracy and faster response times than any single data source can provide.

5. Predictive maintenance and frontline usability become decisive

Predictive maintenance continues to deliver some of the clearest returns in industrial AI, with organisations reporting maintenance cost reductions of up to 40% by shifting from time‑based preventive models to data‑driven prediction. At the same time, frontline usability is emerging as a critical differentiator. World Economic Forum research shows that AI initiatives fail when frontline workers are treated as passive users rather than active knowledge contributors.

"If an AI system can’t explain why it’s recommending an action, trust disappears," explained Rajuncė. "Frontline teams want clarity. If an AI agent suggests shutting down a machine or flagging a safety issue, people need to see the reasoning behind that decision."

For more information:

www.grei.ai

With challenges across the outsourcing sector these strong foundations will ensure the Association continues to deliver value for its members in 2026 with another busy exhibition programme, the staging of the BCMPA’s Conference, the continuation of the successful outsourcing campaign and the new Pitch the Co-Packers competition.

2025 saw the BCMPA expand its community with the launch of its Associate Membership Programme. Over 15 companies have joined this year and helped provide topical content and insights into the ancillary services supporting contract manufacturing, packing and logistics. From legal advice, packaging suppliers, equipment manufacturers, regulatory assistance and consultancy, and 3D machine parts, Associate Members provide a good range of additional services to BCMPA members.

The Association also continued to support the outsourcing sector with its sponsorship of several awards - The respected Co-Manufacturer and Packer of the Year, and the newly introduced E-commerce and Fulfilment Company categories at the UK Packaging Awards, and the Co-Pack Lead category at the inaugural Women in Packaging Excellence Awards. In addition, BCMPA member Robert Rigby of Mailway was a deserving winner at the Trailblazers Awards, celebrating emerging young talent.

"Community has been a key theme for this year with BCMPA members making valuable contributions to their local areas," said BCMPA CEO Emma Verkaik. "I continue to see the positive impact that employment, purpose and belonging have on individuals."

However, 2025 has also been a challenging year for the sector with rising wage costs and taxation impacting on businesses. Here, the BCMPA called for government to establish ‘SME Impact Assessments’ for all new policies to ensure that regulation doesn’t disproportionately burden small firms.

"I have witnessed the genuine care employers show their teams, and the human understanding that business owners extend as they recognise the challenges their employees face and support them to succeed," said Verkaik. "It can be disheartening when government does not fully acknowledge these efforts or offer solutions to the pressing issues faced by SMEs."

Next year, the BCMPA will focus on keeping community and positive momentum going at The Contract Pack and Fulfilment Show, co-located with Packaging Innovations and Empack at the NEC Birmingham on 11-12 February. Pitch the Co-Packers, a Dragons’ Den style competition encouraging entrepreneurs to take their product to market, will make its debut at the event. Entries to the competition are invited from SMEs with a turnover of under £100,000 who have exciting, scalable product concepts. They need to be on the lookout for co-packing, manufacturing or fulfilment support as well as facing packaging or production challenges.

In addition, the BCMPA will continue to have a presence at major trade shows including the newly launched Making Nutraceuticals which is co-located with the Making and Distributing Pharmaceuticals, CHEMUK, London Packaging Week and White Label World Expo.

In 2026, the BCMPA Conference also returns to tackle the latest big themes with an authoritative line-up of speakers. It promises to bring together the industry’s big hitters and influencers as well as featuring keynote presentations and panel discussions. The event takes place on 31 March - 1 April at the Oxford Belfry, with an overnight networking dinner followed by a full day of Conference.

"The conference will demonstrate how our community is growing," added Verkaik. "I would encourage all members to join the dialogue and take an active role in shaping our future. SMEs are under huge pressure right now but by coming together and sharing our experiences, the industry will be better placed to take on the challenges ahead in 2026 and beyond. With topics including up to date information on regulatory, a deep look at cyber security, EPR and the role of digitalisation - it will be good intel for our members to help them face the future."

bcmpa.org.uk

The Bumotec 191^neo is just as versatile as its predecessor, but it makes operation easier, above all thanks to the new human-machine interface (HMI). 

Concentrated expertise - in an ergonomic package

"How can we advance a very reliable, powerful and extremely modular machining centre that already offers a perfect solution to the many challenges of machining precise small parts with high added value?" That is the question a Starrag team of experts from production, process engineering, quality, application, service engineering and design were faced with.

The answer is apparent from the very first glance at the Bumotec 191^neo. The newcomer combines concentrated expertise in a very ergonomic housing. With its large glass panes and optimally positioned access doors, it offers a good view of the various areas of the machine and improved access for operators. A light strip provides information about the operating status immediately. Thanks to the ergonomic design, staff can switch between screens with a simple finger movement.

The progress of ongoing machining operations, the configuration of programming or the monitoring of production can be tracked in real time. All in all, the turn-mill centre is intuitive and easy to learn to use. A clear advantage in view of a job market in which highly qualified, skilled personnel are in short supply.

Precision machining with 12 different facets

Starrag supplies the machining centre in versions with vice ‘P’, multiple vice ‘PRM’, counter spindle ‘R’, counter spindle/vice combination ‘RP’ and with a bar capacity of 42, 50 or 65mm. The Bumotec 191^neo is not just one machining solution, but twelve different machines on a single platform. According to Starrag, it is only with this variety that the special requirements of typical users from medical technology, the luxury goods industry and micromechanics can be optimally fulfilled both from an economic and a technological perspective. 

Unproductive downtime significantly reduced

The Bumotec 191^neo operates with excellent stability, reliability, and productivity even without user intervention. Thanks to the reduction in tool change time by about 15%, it exceeds cycle time expectations and thus reduces unproductive downtime. 

The increased torque of the Starrag milling spindle and the electric motor-controlled pick-up unit, which is 12% faster than before, are strong points in favour of the newcomer.

The Bumotec tool magazine with over 90 tool positions as standard has a broken tool sensor working in parallel, just in case. When used in combination with a Bumotec pallet system or a robotic automation cell, continuous production around the clock can be achieved that only needs to stop for preventative maintenance, if that.

According to Starrag, customer requirements of all kinds can be met thanks to the modular design. Different peripheral devices such as temperature-controlled high-pressure systems, chip conveyors and bar loaders are available. Users can machine numerous complex and demanding workpieces in a single setup because the Bumotec 191^neo can not only turn, mill, grind, and polish, but can also handle less frequent machining operations such as gear hobbing, engine turning, and diamond cutting.

Machining centre with built-in remote control 

The newcomer offers the proven reliability and production stability of the Bumotec s191. It is geared to the challenges of the digital transition and can be used in combination with the latest production technologies.

www.starrag.com

Benefits of Two-Way Radios for Warehouses

Two-way radios overcome these challenges with ease and lend themselves well to such environments. Delivering real-time communication at the touch of a button without the need for cellular connections or Wi-Fi, walkie talkies are a superb value for money alternative to mobile phones or tannoy systems. 

Warehouse two-way radios are ruggedised to protect them against drops and knocks and IP rated to withstand dust and moisture ingress. They can be vehicle-mounted, hand-held or body-worn to suit each individual worker's personal preferences and work type. 

Revolutionising Communication and Efficiency on the Factory Floor

In industrial settings maintaining communication has traditionally been challenging. Walkie talkies allow workers to coordinate and communicate, either on a one-to-one or a one-to-many basis, using the same easy-to-use device, even in large, hazardous and potentially very noisy settings.

Improved Communication for a Connected Workforce

Without two-way radios, workers are required to communicate either in person, by text message or telephone. All of these methods of communication require a time commitment, and there is no guarantee that the recipient will be able to respond immediately, introducing further delays which, should the communication relate to a safety issue, will be unacceptable.

Instead, two-way radios offer an alternative solution that entirely eliminates delays and is guaranteed an immediate response, resulting in smoother operations and more rapid decision-making. With wide-area radio frequencies capable of penetrating thick walls, multiple floors and metal structures, workers can remain connected at all times.

By connecting the workforce with two-way radios, quality control issues can be resolved, production updates communicated, shifts coordinated and machinery malfunctions handled. Two-way radios are the right tool for warehouses, ensuring that the right people get the right information at the right time.

Enhancing Safety and Emergency Response

Industrial settings are required by law to provide a safe environment for their workers, and two-way radios are vital to identifying and resolving hazards, accidents and near-misses, in addition to requesting an emergency response when a situation cannot be resolved or contained without expert help.

Two-way radios offer unique features that are unmatched by other forms of communication, such as the ability to transmit and receive messages without a Wi-Fi, data or cellular signal, to penetrate thick walls and metal structures and to communicate on a one-to-one or one-to-many basis. Many two-way radios offer enhanced safety features to improve safety outcomes.

Two-way radios are a crucial tool in the safety toolbox, being used to identify hazards, coordinate a response, organise an evacuation and account for workers.

Optimising Workflow and Efficiency

Manufacturing businesses must be efficient in order to remain cost-effective, so identifying ways of streamlining workflows and eliminating production delays is essential. Two-way radios assist with this process by providing supervisors with a means of relaying real-time instructions, receiving production updates and coordinating workers across the production line. 

Improved communication prevents duplication of effort and can reduce resolution times. By removing the need for workers to leave their workstations to obtain production updates, workplace productivity is improved, and businesses can operate more effectively.

Enhanced Team Collaboration and Problem-Solving

The manufacturing sector is continually looking for ways in which to improve its efficiency and quality of output, and investing in effective communication is a proven strategy that can help organisations to achieve their aims.

By issuing intuitive communications devices that enable the workforce to exchange ideas, troubleshoot and make appropriate decisions, collaboration and problem solving are improved, challenges are more easily overcome, and customer satisfaction is enhanced.

With many workers operating across shift patterns and departments, two-way radios are an effective way of breaking down barriers and allowing them to access the information they need.

Two-way radios enhance safety in the workplace

Many two-way radios designed for use in industrial facilities come equipped with advanced safety features, including Push-to-Talk, Advanced Noise Cancellation, Emergency Button, Lone Worker Feature and Man Down Function.

These features extend the utility of a two-way radio beyond that of a mere communications device, making it instead a vital piece of PPE designed to safeguard workers in hazardous roles.

Push-to-Talk (PTT) Functionality

PTT allows users to communicate instantly at the single press of a button. With no delays involved in unlocking a device, programming in a number or writing a text message, users are able to radio for help immediately, improving their safety outcomes.

The PTT button is easily accessible, even for workers who may struggle with a more complicated user interface. This simplicity sets the two-way radio apart from the competition. 

Advanced Noise Cancellation

Background noise is a continuous presence in industrial settings, so the noise-cancelling technology in two-way radios is fundamental to clear, accurate communications. By processing out ambient noise so that only the user's voice is transmitted, instructions and safety alerts are relayed with fewer interruptions and misunderstandings.

Emergency Button

An emergency button allows workers to send a distress signal, alerting supervisors and safety personnel that they need immediate assistance. It is an invaluable function that removes the need for speech and allows help to be dispatched to the correct location.

Lone Worker Feature

Workers who work alone in isolated or remote areas should regularly check-in with supervisors to confirm their safety. A missed check-in could signify a major issue, so the lone-worker feature periodically prompts the user to confirm they are safe.

Should the worker fail to respond to a prompt within a specified time, a supervisor can be alerted and a manual check conducted.

Man Down Function

The man down function is designed to alert supervisors and safety professionals to an injured, unconscious or incapacitated worker. By detecting a prolonged lack of movement and automatically calling for support, this function can save lives.

The investment marks a strategic step in Samsung Electro-Mechanics’ long-term commitment to robotics and humanoids, while supporting Alva’s accelerated scaling as an independent global supplier of market-leading electric motors.

The robotics industry is entering a new era of rapid growth, with new generations of robots requiring actuation systems that are smaller, lighter, and more precise. Motor performance - especially torque density, control accuracy, and compact form factor - is becoming a defining factor for what robots can do in real-world environments and how quickly they can be adopted.

Alva addresses this challenge with their patented FiberPrinting manufacturing technology, enabling exceptionally compact and lightweight motors that maintain high torque density, efficiency, and control precision. These characteristics are critical for applications like robotics, where minimal volume, maximum force, and predictable control are essential. As a result, Alva Industries is rapidly gaining recognition as a trusted supplier to the world’s most ambitious robotics innovators.

Through this investment, Samsung Electro-Mechanics is strengthening access to a leading motor technology that complements its growing robotics ambitions within areas such as robotic hands and humanoid platforms.  The companies will collaborate on advancing actuation solutions for robotics, combining Samsung Electro-Mechanics’ system expertise and global scale with Alva’s breakthroughs in motor design and manufacturing.  

"We see Alva as one of the most promising motor technology companies in the robotics ecosystem. Alva’s FiberPrinting technology is a key competitive asset for next-generation robotic actuators, opening new possibilities in motor performance and design. This investment gives us access to an important technological foundation for our future robotics and humanoid business, and we look forward to exploring new market opportunities together with Alva," said Samsung Electro-Mechanics CEO Duckhyun Chang. 

"Samsung’s investment is a strong endorsement of Alva’s technology and team," stated Oliver Skisland, CEO of Alva. "We see significant potential in this collaboration, without it limiting our work with existing or future customers. We are on a mission to power a new generation of robots that are stronger, safer, and more reliable."

The investment will be used to scale manufacturing capacity and expand product offering to deepen Alva’s existing and new engagements with leading robotics developers worldwide.

www.alvaindustries.com

Millie Childs developed the idea while she was a pupil at Light Oaks Junior School, taking part in Primary Engineer, a national STEM competition that challenges pupils to design creative solutions to real-world problems.

Her invention, Rainbow Glasses, features a pair of glasses with interchangeable or adjustable coloured lenses designed to reduce visual stress and improve reading comfort for people with dyslexia.

As part of the competition, engineers from Thales UK in Cheadle selected Millie’s design to turn into a working prototype. After months of research and testing, the team produced an LED-based solution that allows the lenses to shift between red, green or blue depending on the user’s needs.

Millie, now a Year 7 pupil at Co-Op Academy Swinton, has gone on to win a Gold Award in the Primary Engineer MacRobert Medal, the sister award to the UK’s most prestigious engineering prize, the MacRobert Award.

Her former teacher, Rob Entwistle, collected the award on her behalf during the ceremony in London last week.

This week Millie returned to Light Oaks Junior School to talk about her invention and inspire the next generation of young engineers.

Millie, 11, said: "My dyslexia has always made reading a challenge, so I wanted to invent something that could make it easier. Seeing the engineers turn my idea into real glasses has been incredible. The thought that they might one day help other people with dyslexia is something I’m really proud of."

Millie’s mum, Sarah, added: "Millie has loved every second of this experience and it has really motivated her. She has been excited through the whole journey and she is so hopeful about the future. Her grandad was an engineer and this is the sector she has always wanted to work in, and her dreams have been made into a reality."

Teacher Rob Entwistle said: "Millie’s idea stood out from the moment she presented it. She wanted to help others who faced the same challenges she did. Watching her idea grow from a drawing into a working prototype has been inspiring."

Zandra Wilkinson, headteacher at Light Oaks Junior School, said: "Primary Engineer's competition is an incredibly powerful activity for our pupils. It shows them that their ideas matter, that engineering is creative, and that they can solve real problems in the world around them.

"We are unbelievably proud of Millie. She has shown our whole school community what is possible, and we could not be more delighted for her."

Primary Engineer’s annual UK competition asks pupils aged 3–19 the question “If you were an engineer, what would you do?”. All entries are read and graded by professional engineers, with every pupil receiving a named certificate. Regional exhibitions and awards ceremonies then showcase shortlisted designs, with winners invited on stage to receive their awards.

Millie was recognised as one of the winners at the Greater Manchester event in 2024, one of 25 regional UK awards, and her idea was selected to be built into a prototype and revealed in July 2025.

Sam Hassan, bid and programme management graduate at Thales, said: "We had an amazing time working with Millie’s Rainbow Glasses idea. Over seven months we researched, planned, built and tested the design to create a prototype that met her expectations. Our journey included weekly meetings, input from researchers at the University of Georgia, delivering STEM lessons in Millie’s school and a visit from Millie and her friends to see the final prototype.

"When we unveiled it we were thrilled to see the reaction, and even had a member of the NHS asking whether this might progress further."

UK schools can register for this free competition by visiting: leadersaward.com/the-competition