Post by Make UK

Make UK attended the 4th AI Working Group and 47th General Assembly of Ceemet - European Tech & Industry Employers bringing together manufacturing organisations from across Europe to discuss AI adoption and regulation. This comes at an important moment, as the UK considers its own path on AI governance. Insights from Dr Mehmet Haklidir (Director, TÜBİTAK BİLGEM - AI Insitute) explored AI governance and ethics in workforce management, including transparency, consent and accountability in AI-enabled HR decisions. Under the EU AI Act, applications such as recruitment, shift allocation and promotion are classified as high risk, reinforcing the need for appropriate safeguards. Make UK also shared a case study from Groupe Atlantic and John Cook highlighting how AI is being deployed across group factories to drive competitiveness, efficiency and resilience. With transformation viewed as continuous, and near real-time insight into global market conditions, operations are increasingly able to adapt dynamically to shifts in demand and supply chains. Further discussions with members focused on: • National implementation of the AI Act • Diverging regulatory approaches across Europe • The growing use of algorithmic workforce management, and its impact on people and trust The visit, hosted by MESS (Turkish Trade Association) at the impressive MEXT Technology Center, showcased fully integrated AI in action, including digital twins, automated production lines, AI-enabled health and safety systems, and steel plant simulations. Even the coffee was made by a robot ☕🤖 A key reflection for the UK The UK’s strength lies in its agility, innovation and ability to move quickly. However, that flexibility is a double-edged sword. Outcomes will depend on leadership, whether organisations are driven by a clear appetite for improvement, change and calculated risk, or take a more cautious, “Goldilocks” approach. The UK has strong capabilities and ambition. With greater coordination and momentum in the months ahead, there is a real opportunity to translate this into a lasting competitive advantage. A valuable visit and an important perspective on where AI in manufacturing goes next. #AIinManufacturing #GlobalManufacturing #DigitalTransformation