Registration is now open for the Next Generation Industry Conference, taking place on 18 March 2026 at Glass Futures in St Helens, UK.

The half-day conference (10:00–14:00) will explore the technologies shaping the future of industry.

It will focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and its expanding role in manufacturing, digitalisation and automation.

Bringing together leaders, experts and innovators from industry, academia and technology, the programme is designed to spark cross-sector collaboration and highlight how digital technologies—particularly AI—are advancing manufacturing processes, accelerating materials innovation, improving sustainability and driving productivity.

The agenda features keynote and contributions from major international organisations at the forefront of industrial AI:

• Siemens — outlining its development of an Industrial AI Operating System embedding AI across design, simulation, manufacturing and operations.

• Lucideon — showcasing how AI and machine learning are accelerating materials innovation and optimising manufacturing performance.

• Şişecam — demonstrating how AI is deployed across 45 plants in 14 countries to reduce waste and emissions, including real-time defect detection across more than 12 production lines.

The conference will also include:

• A Glass Futures AI project overview presented by Dr Jim Scotson

• A panel discussion on “AI in Manufacturing”, featuring:

o NVIDIA, a global leader in AI computing

o F.I.C. (UK) LIMITED, advancing glass production through AI integration

o University of Liverpool’s Virtual Engineering Centre (VEC), specialists in digital modelling and simulation

• Lunch and networking opportunities

• An optional site tour of Glass Futures’ state-of-the-art facilities

Additional speakers will be announced shortly.

The event is open to professionals working across manufacturing, glass production, supply chain, research and development, academia and digital technology.

Glass Futures members receive priority booking, and places are limited.

Event details:

To register, visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/n...