Millions of Euro Worth of Advanced Technology Showcased at 2026 Manufacturing Solutions Ireland at TUS Coonagh Campus

2026 Manufacturing Solutions Ireland showcase at TUS Coonagh – pictured above was Graham Whelan, SQ Fabs. Picture: Alan Place

Experts Explore AI and the Rise of the ‘Synthetic Workforce’ at TUS Coonagh Campus at 2026 Manufacturing Solutions Ireland

Millions of euro worth of advanced technology and equipment was showcased at the TUS Coonagh Campus as the 2026 Manufacturing Solutions Ireland brought together manufacturers, engineers, researchers, educators and technology providers from across Ireland and beyond.

The sold-out event, jointly organised by Technological University of the Shannon (TUS), the Precision Tooling and Machining Association (PTMA) and the UK’s Gauge and Tool Makers Association (GTMA) featured more than 100 exhibitors and a packed programme of talks, demonstrations and networking opportunities focused on advanced manufacturing, digital transformation and Industry 4.0 technologies.

A major theme of the event was the growing role of artificial intelligence in industry.

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Delivering a keynote presentation titled AI: The Synthetic Workforce – How to Make it Work for Your Company, AI specialist Richard Wood explored how businesses can practically implement AI technologies to improve productivity, innovation and competitiveness.

Richard Wood, CEO of Rocketeer, said, “The starting point for any business is understanding where it wants to go and how it plans to get there. AI then becomes a tool to help organisations better understand their customers, improve products and services, and make workflows more effective. As businesses adopt these technologies, it is important that they do so responsibly, with the right governance, education and safeguards in place. We are moving into a hybrid AI era where people and AI work together, creating significant opportunities for businesses and for individuals who develop the skills to use these tools effectively.”

The international dimension of the event was highlighted by Michael Howes, Mechanical Systems Engineer with the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) in Geneva, who outlined supply chain, precision engineering and research opportunities linked to one of the world’s leading scientific organisations.

Visitors also experienced live demonstrations in robotics, automation, CNC machining, additive manufacturing and smart manufacturing technologies, while the FESTO Technoferium Truck showcased the latest developments in automation, connectivity and industrial innovation.

Professor Vincent Cunnane, President of TUS, said, “The technologies and ideas showcased here today, from artificial intelligence and automation to advanced engineering and digital manufacturing, provide valuable insight into where industry is heading in the years ahead.

“As a university, it is vital that we remain closely connected to those developments. Events such as Manufacturing Solutions Ireland help shape how we educate our students, develop research partnerships and work alongside industry. We will continue to strengthen connections and ensure that TUS evolves in step with the needs of industry, helping to develop the skills, talent and innovation required for future growth.”

This year’s event marked ten years since the inaugural Manufacturing Solutions Ireland exhibition was held. Since its launch in 2016, the event has grown into one of Ireland’s leading showcases for advanced manufacturing, engineering innovation and industry collaboration.

The Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA), which represents the UK’s machine tool and manufacturing technology sector and organises one of the largest engineering and manufacturing exhibitions in the UK, will join TUS and GTMA as a partner for next year’s event.

Manufacturing Solutions Ireland will return to the TUS Coonagh Campus on 16 and 17 June 2027 as an expanded two-day exhibition and conference. Organisers expect the event to significantly increase its footprint, exhibitor numbers and visitor attendance, with the partnership expected to further strengthen industry links between Ireland and the UK.

Alan Arthur, CEO of the GTMA, said, “The GTMA already works closely with the MTA on a number of activities. It is fantastic to bring the MTA on board as partners for the 2027 event and I am certain this will be a successful initiative. It will help continue the growth of Manufacturing Solutions Ireland while providing MTA members with a valuable platform to engage with Irish manufacturing companies.”

James Fudge, Head of Operations, MTA, stated, “It was great to visit the 2026 edition of the show. The venue works really well for the event and the number of people through the door has been fantastic. We’re really excited to be part of 2027 as it’s a great way to be part of the growing community in Ireland and make new connections.”