Automation for a sustainable future 2026: R&D to real-world adoption

CPI, is bringing together leaders from industry, academia and technology to explore how automation, artificial intelligence (AI) and digital innovation are transforming research, development and manufacturing. 

AI and intelligent automation is rapidly reshaping the innovation landscape, providing organisations with unprecedented opportunities to accelerate the discovery of new products and optimise existing processes to address global sustainability and manufacturing challenges. This two-day conference will explore how these technologies have moved beyond research environments into real-world industrial adoption. 

The event will bring together researchers, formulators, engineers, technology developers and innovation leaders to share practical insights, emerging technologies and collaborative opportunities. 

Conference themes 

AI and intelligent automation for innovation 

Explore how AI, machine learning, robotics and autonomous experimentation are changing the way organisations develop products, optimise processes and make decisions across R&D and manufacturing. 

From autonomous laboratories to industrial adoption 

Discover how automated experimentation, digital twins, modelling and simulation are enabling organisations to move from proof of concept to scalable, commercial deployment. 

Driving sustainability through digital technologies 

Explore how AI and automation are becoming critical to accelerating the transition to more sustainable materials, products and manufacturing processes. With the pace of change needed, digital technologies can help industry innovate faster, reduce waste and resource use, and accelerate sustainable solutions across chemicals, consumer products, energy, pharmaceuticals and advanced materials. 

The future of automation 

Hear from experts at the forefront of digital innovation as they discuss the next generation of autonomous systems, emerging technologies, future challenges and the skills needed to unlock their full potential. 

What to expect

• Explore how AI and automation are accelerating innovation from research through to commercial deployment. 

• Discover CPI’s world-leading formulation and advanced materials capabilities, accelerated by state-of-the-art automation and digital technologies.

• Learn from industry-leading keynote speakers and real-world case studies. 

• Connect with researchers, technology experts and industry through dedicated networking opportunities. 

• Take part in a tour of CPI's state-of-the-art facilities.