AI for Manufacturing: Where to start and what's possible

Date

Wednesday 14th October 2026, 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM (UTC+01)

Location

The event organiser will provide online event access details.

Most manufacturers in Cumbria haven't started using AI yet, and that's exactly why now is the time to understand what it could mean for your business.

This practical 90-minute online workshop cuts through the hype and looks at what AI can realistically do within a manufacturing business, including where it's already proving its value across the wider industry and how you could start applying it, whatever your starting point.

Through real manufacturing case studies, practical examples and live Q&A, you'll gain a clearer understanding of what's possible, where the opportunities could be within your own business and, importantly, what's worth doing and what isn't.

What attendees will leave with:

• A clearer understanding of what AI can realistically do on the production floor, from quality control and predictive maintenance to getting more value from the data you already collect.
• Real examples of how AI is being used across the manufacturing sector and how these could translate to your own business.
• Low-cost, low-risk ways to start exploring AI without needing a large IT team or data science budget.
• A better understanding of how to judge potential ROI and avoid common, expensive mistakes.
• A simple framework to help you decide the first practical step for your business.

What's needed? A device with internet access. No previous AI knowledge or technical expertise required.

Suitable for manufacturing business owners, operations leads and decision-makers who are curious about where AI could fit within their business and want a practical understanding of where to start.

About Marco

Marco Rapaccini is a senior technologist who helps organisations turn AI and automation from hype into practical, measurable results. He has delivered AI and digital adoption programmes for organisations across the manufacturing, finance and technology sectors, as well as working with SMEs to develop grounded, ROI-focused strategies.

He is the founder of Fulginium, a Cumbria-based technology consulting business, and Director of Technology at the Irish Sea Rim.

This workshop is fully funded by the Cumbria Accelerator: Business Support Programme, with places limited to one per business.