Curated by the endlessly curious and deeply perceptive Lucy Johnston, Future Lab is where Goodwood shifts the conversation—not about what the car of tomorrow will look like, but what kind of world we want to create. And judging by this year’s showcase, that world is smart, deeply engaging, and may very well be circling high above Earth.

Technology With Purpose

Future Lab spotlighted four major themes this year, each addressing pivotal global challenges: how we travel (Mobility for Humanity), how we produce (New Industrial Revolutions), how we understand space (Exploring Spatial Intelligence), and how we protect our planet (Our Big Blue Dot).

Each zone buzzed with interactive displays and visionary concepts, but several standout innovations captured attention—not just for their technical brilliance, but for the transformative futures they suggest.

Let’s begin with the humanoid that sparked awe—and a few startled glances—Ameca. Crafted by UK-based Engineered Arts and presented at Future Lab by The National Robotarium, Ameca doesn’t just resemble a robot; she looks like she could star in a futuristic animated film.

Her edge isn’t just in her lifelike facial movements or her ability to lock eyes with visitors. It’s her open architecture. Ameca isn’t tied to one AI system—she can be powered by ChatGPT, Alexa, or any custom intelligence. As Steve Maclaren from The National Robotarium explained, “She’s built to interact with humans using natural expressions, eye contact, and gestures.”

Though some adults approached her cautiously, children quickly warmed to her, chatting freely. Maclaren believes robots like Ameca could soon assist in homes or hospitals. Given the response at Goodwood, that future may already be knocking on our door.

Building the Future—In Space

While humanoid robots grab attention, one of the most groundbreaking exhibits was literally out of this world. Meet Space Forge, a Cardiff-based aerospace startup aiming to manufacture advanced semiconductors in orbit.

Why leave Earth? The vacuum and microgravity of low Earth orbit allow for near-perfect crystal growth in semiconductors and quantum materials. On Earth, gravity causes defects. In space, materials form with fewer flaws—leading to faster chips, more efficient devices, and reduced energy demands.

Andrew Griffiths from Space Forge revealed that their ForgeStar satellite is already in orbit, gathering critical data. Upcoming models will be fully recoverable, equipped with advanced heat shields and soft-landing tech—making them reusable after reentry.

This isn’t science fiction. Backed by the UK government, NATO, and the European Space Agency, Space Forge is building the first off-planet factory—floating silently above us.

AI Breathes Life Into The Endurance Wreck

From orbit to ocean floor, Future Lab also took visitors on a journey to the icy depths of Antarctica—the final resting place of Ernest Shackleton’s Endurance.

The Falklands Maritime Heritage Trust (FMHT) presented the incredible story of locating the shipwreck under 3,000 meters of ice using underwater drones and sonar. But finding it was only the beginning. To truly share its legacy, they turned to artificial intelligence.

Elena Lewendon from FMHT described how AI and photogrammetry were used to merge over 25,000 deep-sea images into a stunningly accurate digital twin. From this model, a 3D-printed replica was crafted—taking over 350 hours to complete—so children and visitors could explore every rivet and plank of the legendary vessel.

“Kids can now touch history in a way no textbook ever allowed,” Lewendon said. Now protected as an Antarctic heritage site, the Endurance lives on—not just as a relic, but as an immersive educational experience.

AI Decoding the Cosmos

Looking beyond Earth, the University of Sussex and the European Space Agency brought the universe down to Earth through the Euclid space telescope. Orbiting 1.5 million kilometers away, Euclid is mapping galaxies in extraordinary detail to uncover the secrets of dark matter and dark energy.

Professor Stephen Wilkins explained that AI is essential to processing the telescope’s massive data load—billions of galaxies, many faint and ancient. “Humans can’t possibly sort through all this manually,” he said. “We’re training AI to find the extraordinary in the vast ordinary.”

Wilkins hopes Euclid’s insights will answer long-standing mysteries in physics. At the very least, it’s equipping a new generation of explorers with deeper knowledge and smarter tools than ever before.

Other Highlights That Wowed

The innovation didn’t end there. Guests piloted lunar rovers in VR with Somniacs and Cesium’s Lunar Flight Experience, or stepped into Atlantic Studios’ breathtaking Apple Vision Pro journey through images from the James Webb Space Telescope. BMW previewed its 'Heart of Joy' interface for future electric vehicles. Marble’s climate-monitoring drones delivered hyper-accurate environmental data. And the E1 electric powerboats brought high-speed excitement to the sustainability narrative.

Every exhibit—from deep-sea explorers to orbital engineers—shared a unifying vision: the future isn’t just about sleek designs or smart algorithms. It’s about meaning.

Why Future Lab Is Essential Now

Amid the roar of engines and cheering fans, Future Lab stands out as a moment of thoughtful pause. It challenges the idea that tech exists only for speed—it exists to go further, with intention and empathy.

As Lucy Johnston, the curator, put it: “This is about using technology to build a better world. These innovators are tackling real problems with bold ideas, creative tools, and global collaboration.”

Future Lab shows that the true race isn’t for records—it’s to make tomorrow more hopeful than today. And based on what we saw this year, we’re not alone in this mission—we’ve got brilliant minds, and even some robots, on our side.

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