As manufacturers look to convert advances in digitalisation and AI into measurable improvements on the factory floor, Critical Manufacturing has opened registration for the third edition of the MES & Industry 4.0 International Summit, scheduled for 20–21 May 2027 at the historic Alfândega do Porto in Porto, Portugal.

The two-day international event will bring together manufacturing leaders, technology experts and practitioners to exchange perspectives, explore emerging technologies and share approaches to scaling digital transformation. Previous editions have welcomed more than 500 attendees, with 85 per cent representing operational and decision-making roles. The summit has featured speakers and professionals from companies including Infineon, Medtronic, Jabil, Alfa Laval, TDK Electronics, Micron Technology and Danfoss.

Under the theme “The Leadership Agenda for the Thinking Factory,” the 2027 summit will explore how manufacturing operations can become more intelligent, flexible and AI-ready.

The Thinking Factory represents a new stage in digital manufacturing, where connected production systems, data and industrial AI increasingly support decision-making and factory floor operations. Discussions will focus on the realities of Industry 4.0 adoption, challenges and risks involved in scaling digital transformation across multiple sites, the role of trusted AI and best practices for successful MES implementations. The programme will also emphasise real-world experiences and lessons from technology projects and digital transformation programmes.

Francisco Almada Lobo, CEO of Critical Manufacturing, says: “Manufacturing is entering an important new phase. Companies have invested significantly in connecting and digitalising their operations, and AI is now creating opportunities to use that foundation in new ways. The challenge for manufacturing leaders is to understand where these technologies can deliver real value, how they fit into the wider manufacturing architecture and how they can be scaled with confidence.”

Jeff Winter will return as Chair of the MESI 4.0 Summit, helping guide discussions across the two-day programme and bringing together perspectives from manufacturing leaders, technology specialists and industry experts.

Dr Werner Lohwasser, CEO & COO, TDK Electronics, and a speaker at the 2025 edition, shared: “We talk about similar things like digital transformation or MES implementation, but every story is a little different. By sharing this knowledge and experience, we all can learn a lot. It is about the insights from real-life projects, not textbook knowledge, but real experience. This is what makes it very unique.”

The summit will build on the interactive format established during previous editions. Main-stage presentations will be complemented by technology-focused sessions, roundtable discussions, interactive workshops, an MES Expert Lab and an Expo Pavilion. These formats will allow attendees to explore new ideas, discuss implementation challenges directly with experts and exchange experiences with peers.

The event has also provided a platform for start-ups and emerging manufacturing technology companies through its Innovation Hub, bringing new ideas and technologies into the wider industry conversation. The 2027 edition is expected to build on this format with an expanded programme for learning, discussion and collaboration across the two days.

The summit has received strong support from sponsors and exhibitors, with previous editions supported by companies including Infosys, Cognizant, HCLTech, Red Hat and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), reflecting the level of industry interest in partnering with the event and engaging its audience.

“Some of the most valuable conversations happen when manufacturers can openly compare where they are in their transformation journeys, what has worked and what has not,” continues Almada Lobo. “MESI 4.0 Summit creates a setting where people facing similar challenges can learn directly from one another and take those insights back into their own organisations.”