Daily Manufacturing News Digest – the industry stories you should be aware of today

Posted on 21 Jan 2026 by The Manufacturer

Each day The Manufacturer compiles the top manufacturing news stories from around the web and compiles them into this daily digest to make your life a little easier. Don’t forget to bookmark this page and check back daily for all the latest manufacturing news.

Ford helps demonstrate how robots will work in tomorrow’s factories

Following the news last week that Humanoid, a UK-based robotics and AI company, and Siemens had embarked on a proof of concept (POC) demonstrating the use of humanoid robots in industrial logistics, the company has now completed a similar POC at the Ford Innovation Centre in Cologne, Germany. Read more via The Manufacturer

West Midlands manufacturer targets defence growth with AS9100 accreditation

West Midlands manufacturer Rowan Precision is stepping up its ambitions into the defence supply chain after securing AS9100 accreditation, positioning the business to support higher-integrity, safety-critical programmes alongside its established aerospace work. Read more via The Manufacturer

Mpac Lambert and GlucoModicum demonstrate how scalable automation de-risks medical device production

Mpac Lambert and GlucoModicum show how early proof-of-principle work and scalable automation enabled high-volume production of Sofio, a needle-free glucose monitoring sensor. Read more via The Manufacturer

Babcock and University of Plymouth formalise strategic partnership to boost skills, job opportunities and the city’s future growth

Babcock International Group has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Plymouth to formalise a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening skills development, innovation and sustainable economic growth across Plymouth and the wider South West. Read more via The Manufacturer

New director for ADS Northern Ireland

ADS, the UK trade association for the aerospace, defence, security and space, has announced the appointment of Joseph Reffitt as its new Northern Ireland Director. Read more via The Manufacturer