UK AI Manufacturing Revolution: £165M Dexory Funding, CloudNC Factory Automation & DeepMind Research Lab
Britain is cementing its position as a global powerhouse in AI-driven manufacturing automation, with a remarkable convergence of breakthrough funding rounds, revolutionary technologies, and world-class research infrastructure positioning the UK at the forefront of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
The UK AI manufacturing ecosystem has reached an inflection point, with companies across the supply chain—from precision engineering to warehouse automation—demonstrating the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in British industry.
Dexory: Revolutionising Warehouse Intelligence
Dexory, the UK-based leader in warehouse robotics and AI-driven data intelligence, has secured a massive £165 million Series C funding round led by Eurazeo's Growth team in October 2025, marking one of the largest European robotics investments of the decade.
The flagship product provides a real-time digital twin of warehouses by leveraging autonomous robots equipped with LiDAR and advanced sensors to scan more than 10,000 locations per hour, creating unprecedented visibility into inventory management and operational efficiency.
This technology represents a fundamental shift from reactive inventory management to predictive warehouse intelligence, enabling British logistics companies to compete on a global scale with unprecedented operational transparency.
CloudNC: The Future of Precision Manufacturing
CloudNC is revolutionising the precision manufacturing industry by using artificial intelligence to automate the programming of CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines, creating what the company describes as a "driverless car system for factories".
The company's core software, CAM Assist, represents a breakthrough in manufacturing automation, enabling factories to operate with minimal human intervention whilst maintaining the highest quality standards demanded by aerospace, automotive, and medical device industries.
Google DeepMind's UK Research Laboratory
In a landmark announcement, Google DeepMind unveiled plans for its first "automated research laboratory" in the United Kingdom, scheduled to open in 2026 and giving British scientists priority access to some of the world's most advanced AI research tools.
The facility will use cutting-edge AI and robotics to run experiments autonomously, dramatically accelerating the pace of scientific discovery whilst positioning Britain as the global epicentre for AI-driven research and development.
This investment represents Google's recognition of the UK's exceptional scientific infrastructure and regulatory environment, providing British researchers with unparalleled access to AI tools that could revolutionise fields from drug discovery to materials science.
Automata: Revolutionising Laboratory Automation
Automata combines sophisticated robotic hardware with a cloud-based software platform called LINQ to fully automate biology laboratories across the UK, enabling 24/7 scientific experimentation without human oversight.
The company's robotic arms and transport belts physically move samples between machines, allowing scientists to run complex experiments continuously whilst focusing on higher-level research strategy and data interpretation.
London Fintech and AI Integration
London's position as a global financial hub creates unique opportunities for AI companies focusing on financial services automation. The city's fintech ecosystem is increasingly integrating artificial intelligence to enhance fraud detection, automate trading operations, and deliver personalised financial advice through sophisticated chatbot interfaces.
Companies like Revolut, the London-based fintech unicorn, are pioneering AI-driven banking services that offer mobile banking, automated card payments, intelligent money remittance, and sophisticated foreign exchange algorithms.
Manchester's Industry 4.0 Leadership
Manchester's rich industrial heritage has evolved into cutting-edge Industry 4.0 leadership, with the city at the forefront of integrating AI into traditional manufacturing processes. The broader UK market demonstrates remarkable momentum, with over £2 billion raised in UK AI deals during 2025.
Britbots: Supporting the Ecosystem
The UK's robotics and AI automation ecosystem is supported by organisations like Britbots, which backs brilliant robotics, AI and automation startups developing solutions for diverse manufacturing applications—from metals manufacturing defect identification to subterranean excavation robots.
This comprehensive support infrastructure ensures that British AI companies have access to the expertise, funding, and partnership networks necessary to scale globally whilst maintaining their UK base of operations.
The Path Forward
Britain's AI manufacturing revolution represents more than technological advancement—it's a strategic repositioning for the global economy of 2026 and beyond. With world-class companies like Dexory, CloudNC, and Automata leading the charge, supported by Google DeepMind's research investment and a thriving startup ecosystem, the UK is establishing itself as the definitive hub for AI-driven industrial innovation.
The convergence of exceptional funding availability, regulatory support, and technical expertise creates a unique environment where British manufacturing can leapfrog global competitors and establish new standards for automated production, intelligent logistics, and scientific discovery.
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