- Birmingham selected over high-profile European capital cities to host influential robotics conference
- More than 1,500 international delegates anticipated in the West Midlands, bringing £1.55m economic impact
Birmingham has won the bid to host the 18th edition of the European Robotics Forum (ERF) in 2027.
The conference is the most influential meeting of the robotics community in Europe, with more than 1,500 international engineers, researchers, investors, entrepreneurs and policy makers expected to attend.
The ICC Birmingham – part of the NEC Group – will host the event from 1-5 March 2027, with industry tours on the final day at some of the region’s most successful, internationally-recognised companies.
The Forum is estimated to be worth £1.55m for Birmingham and the wider West Midlands’ visitor economy, with the city beating European destinations including Belgrade, Brussels, Tallinn and Zurich for the right to host the event.
The Birmingham bid was won by leading ambassadors in the region from the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Coventry and the University of Birmingham, with the support of the Birmingham and West Midlands Convention Bureau, part of the West Midlands Growth Company, and the ICC Birmingham. The bid attracted more than 50 letters of support, including from the Minister of State for Science, Research and Innovation Lord Patrick Vallance, Birmingham City Council and the West Midlands Combined Authority.
Cllr Sharon Thompson, Deputy Leader at Birmingham City Council, said:
“We are thrilled that Birmingham has been selected to host the European Robotics Forum 2027 – a true recognition of our region’s world-class innovation, research and industrial strength.
“Welcoming over 1,500 global leaders in robotics is not only a huge boost for our visitor economy, but also a fantastic opportunity to showcase the West Midlands as a powerhouse for advanced manufacturing and cutting-edge technology.”
Karol Janik, ERF2027 General Chair and Robotics & Automation Technology Manager at MTC, added:
“I’m honoured that we’ve been selected to host the European Robotics Forum 2027.
“This is a testament to the strength of robotics innovation not just at the MTC and in the West Midlands, but across the UK. ERF 2027 will be a fantastic opportunity to showcase the UK’s thriving robotics community on a global stage. I’m incredibly proud to have led a strong team from MTC, the University of Birmingham, and the Birmingham and West Midlands Convention Bureau in securing this bid.”
The event started in San Sebastián, Spain in 2010, and was established by the euRobotics association. Recent editions have taken place in Odense, Denmark (2023), Rimini, Italy (2024) and Stuttgart, Germany (2025). It has grown into a major annual forum, with the aim to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness in the field of robotics.
Professor Samia Nefti-Meziani OBE, Chair in Robotics and AI and Director of the Birmingham Robotics Institute at University of Birmingham, said:
“We are thrilled to announce that Birmingham will host the 2027 European Robotics Forum, for the very first time in England.
“This very prestigious event is set to foster collaboration, innovation, and growth, providing innovators in the robotics field – both within the region, across the UK, and internationally – with an incredible opportunity to exchange ideas, showcase advancements, and drive forward the future of robotics.
“Birmingham’s selection highlights the city’s growing significance as global Hub in research and technology in Robotics and AI powering smart machines and systems for Circular and Sustainable Manufacturing and Materials, Healthcare, and Infrastructure renewal. We’re excited about the profound impact ERF2027 will have.”
Andy Gibb, Managing Director of Conventions at the NEC Group, said:
“The ICC Birmingham is the perfect location to host this event, offering world-class facilities and a central location that is easily accessible for international visitors. With our years of experience in delivering successful events, we are confident in our ability to provide an exceptional experience for all attendees.”
For over two centuries the West Midlands has been a global hub of invention and innovation. The region has officially the UK’s fastest growing tech sector, and, coupled with its industrial heritage, is a natural home for innovations in robotics.
For more information about the West Midlands’ business events offer for organisers and delegates, visit meetbirmingham.com.
