Birmingham has won the right to host a major European conference for the robotics industry.
The 18th edition of the European Robotics Forum will head to the city's ICC in March 2027 after beating competition from rival bidders such as Belgrade, Brussels and Zurich.
The event is considered to be one of the most influential meetings of the robotics community in Europe, with more than 1,500 international engineers, researchers, investors, entrepreneurs and policy makers expected to attend.
The five-day conference will include industry tours of some of the region's most successful and internationally recognised companies.
The Birmingham bid was won by leading ambassadors in the region from the Manufacturing Technology Centre in Coventry and the University of Birmingham, with the support of the Birmingham and West Midlands Convention Bureau and the ICC.
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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 of the 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."
The European Robotics Forum started in San Sebastián, Spain, in 2010 and has been held in famous locales such as Bucharest and Stuttgart in recent years.
It is estimated to be worth £1.55 million to the Birmingham and West Midlands visitor economy and this is only the second time the º£½ÇÊÓƵ has played host after Edinburgh in 2017.
Karol Janik, robotics and automation technology manager at MTC, said: "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 º£½ÇÊÓƵ. The forum will be a fantastic opportunity to showcase the º£½ÇÊÓƵ's thriving robotics community on a global stage."
Professor Samia Nefti-Meziani, director of the Birmingham Robotics Institute at University of Birmingham, said: "This very prestigious event is set to foster collaboration, innovation and growth, providing innovators in the robotics field - within the region, across the º£½ÇÊÓƵ 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 a 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 the forum will have."
