Bristol, UK, October 1, 2026 – Q5D Technologies, the specialist in robotic automation of wiring harness manufacture, has announced AutoLoom, a collaborative project to develop automated digital manufacturing for automotive wiring systems, supported through the DRIVE35 Innovation Fund: Collaborate 2 programme. Q5D is leading the project with Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG), alongside partners including a major UK automotive manufacturer, Artifex (part of Tata Autocomp), with Advanced Propulsion Centre UK facilitating the UK Government funding for the initiative.
The UK Government funded project will establish and operate a production-representative automated wiring line in the UK, designed to produce both conventional flat harnesses and pre-wired vehicle components directly from digital design data. The consortium’s aim is to replace labour-intensive manual processes with a software- and robotics-led manufacturing approach better suited to the growing complexity of electric and software-defined vehicles.
Wiring harness manufacture remains one of the least automated parts of vehicle production and is still widely carried out through manual assembly in offshore locations. That model creates long supply chains, limits flexibility and increases exposure to logistics cost, emissions and supply disruption.
AutoLoom is intended to demonstrate a practical alternative. Instead of adapting legacy harness-board production, the project will use digital manufacturing tools to generate and place wires directly onto flat substrates or shaped components such as headliners, bumpers and door panels.
A central objective is to make the technology ready for potential adoption into the UK automotive manufacturer’s 2030/31 vehicle programmes. While those programmes sit several years ahead, the associated manufacturing decisions will be taken much sooner, with production equipment expected to be ordered in 2028 and operational in 2029.
By validating the process in a production-representative environment, the consortium intends to reduce adoption risk for major manufacturers and support wider deployment beyond automotive. Q5D also sees applications in defence, industrial electrical and consumer electrical markets, where demand for more automated and flexible wiring manufacture is increasing.
Stephen Bennington, CEO of Q5D, said: “AutoLoom is focused on industrialising a different model for wiring manufacture. The project is intended to show that digital, automated production of wiring systems can meet the cost, flexibility and scalability requirements of future vehicle platforms while supporting a more resilient UK supply base. This approach underpins a growing trend toward onshoring manufacturing and creating highly skilled engineering jobs.”
Ian Constance, Chief Executive at the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK, said:
“The projects announced today demonstrate the depth of innovation and engineering excellence that exists across the UK automotive sector. Through DRIVE35, we are supporting businesses to move promising technologies to commercial deployment and manufacturing at scale. This investment is about far more than individual projects. It is about strengthening the UK’s capability to design, develop and build the technologies that will define the vehicles of the future. By bringing together industry, government and academia, DRIVE35 is helping create the conditions for long-term growth, increasing investor confidence and reinforcing the UK’s position as one of the world’s leading destinations for automotive innovation.”
Andrew Williams, Chief Engineering, Automation Systems Group, WMG, the University of Warwick said: “This project will help build and assess advanced automation that can be applied to a strategically important but persistently manual area of vehicle manufacturing. The aim is to generate evidence at production-representative level that supports future industrial adoption.”
Dr. Arvind Goel, Vice‑Chairman of Tata AutoComp Systems said: “AutoLoom is an important milestone in how we envision the future of mobility at Tata AutoComp. The project represents a shift toward digitally‑enabled manufacturing that can serve customers across geographies. Re‑thinking wiring systems as part of the vehicle’s architecture will enable lighter, more efficient vehicles. This project is a testament to our commitment to building supply chains that are integrated and prepared for the demands of electrification and software‑defined platforms.”
Artifex CEO, Alan Fennelly, said: “As part of Artifex’s commitment to innovation and the development of next-generation solutions for our customers, the AutoLoom project combines technological advancement with clear industrial application. The programme will evaluate how automated digital wiring manufacturing can enhance responsiveness, strengthen supply chain resilience, and support long-term competitiveness.”
The total project value is £6,274,548.
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Based in Bristol, UK, Q5D manufactures five-axis robotic platforms. These automate the installation of electrical wiring into products, eliminating the need for conventional wiring harnesses. The processes reduce cost, weight, and complexity in automotive, aerospace, and consumer products. They boost manufacturing productivity by up to 10X, improve product reliability, and simplify supply chains. For more information, visit https://q5d.com.
About Artifex Interior Systems
Artifex Interior Systems, part of the Tata AutoComp Group, is a trusted manufacturer of advanced automotive interior systems. With strong expertise in design, engineering, manufacturing and supply, the company delivers innovative interior solutions to leading global automotive manufacturers.
Artifex offers a comprehensive portfolio of products and services covering design, development, full-scale manufacturing, and JIT/JIS delivery. Guided by a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement, the company integrates advanced technologies, sustainable practices, and strict adherence to global quality and safety standards.
About Warwick Manufacturing Group
WMG is the largest department at the University of Warwick. Founded in 1980 by the late Professor Lord Kumar Bhattacharyya, it was born out of a bold mission: to reinvigorate UK manufacturing and drive competitiveness through innovation and skills development. It now employs around 800 people across 13 buildings, is home to over 2,500 students, and partners with over 700 organisations.
We empower manufacturing industries and innovation-led organisations to thrive by being more sustainable, resilient, competitive and future-fit.
About Drive35 and the Advanced Propulsion Centre
The Advanced Propulsion Centre provides funding and support to enable organisations to develop cutting-edge technologies, build the supply chains and invest in the facilities that will answer some of the biggest challenges we face in achieving green transport.
DRIVE35 (Driving Research and Investment in Vehicle Electrification) is a UK government funding programme led by the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) designed to transform the UK’s automotive industry and accelerate the transition to zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs).
Funding announcement: https://www.apcuk.co.uk/news-events/news/two-drive35-collaborate-projects-awarded-more-than-8-million/
Q5D Contact
Simon Baggott
Chief Marketing Officer
simon.baggott@q5d.com
Agency Contact
Bob Jones, OriginalityB2B
bob.jones@originalityb2b.com
