25 March 2025
Joerg Burzer
(Mercedes-Benz)
Transformation in Production: Pioneering technologies for sustainable automotive production of the future.
Abstract
At Mercedes-Benz, pioneering spirit is embedded in the company’s DNA, not just in all products but also in all manufacturing processes. The continuous efforts in automotive production focus on quality, efficiency, and innovation. In the keynote, Dr. Joerg Burzer will outline how Mercedes-Benz is exploring new frontiers as it actively shapes the future of work, mobility, and production through digitalization and robotics. Central to its approach is the human element: leveraging artificial intelligence to support daily tasks and optimizing the strengths of both humans and machines. Dr. Burzer will answer the questions, how Mercedes-Benz enhances productivity through data, automation, and key performance indicators, by embracing digitalization and cutting-edge technologies. How does AI-driven optimization help modular design to allow scalable processes? Data democratization and robots, AI, and digital tools support the company’s employees making production processes more efficient and simplified. The result: streamlined operations that save time, costs, and energy, while empowering employees to innovate and achieve greater efficiency productivity, safety and quality.
Bio
Dr. Joerg Burzer is a member of the Board of Management at Mercedes-Benz AG, responsible for Production, Quality, and Supply Chain Management. Since his appointment on December 1, 2021, his role has been pivotal in managing a global production network that spans more than 30 vehicle, powertrain, and battery locations, along with worldwide logistics.
Born on January 21, 1970, in Nuremberg, Germany, Joerg pursued material science with a focus on metallurgy at the University of Erlangen. He obtained his Dr. Ing. in Material Science in 2000 with a thesis focusing on lightweight aluminum structures in automotive industry. He also studied at the Technical University of Copenhagen (Denmark) and stayed at Council for Scientific and Industrial Research in Pretoria (Republic of South Africa) as a research fellow, broadening his academic horizons.
Joerg kicked off his career in 1999 at DaimlerChrysler AG in vehicle pre-development. Over the years, he has held numerous influential positions in Procurement, Development, Quality, Production and Logistics. In 2010, he became Head of Production Control and Logistics in Tuscaloosa (U.S.). Three years later, in 2013, he continued his international experience as Director of Product and Production Strategy & Supplier Quality in Beijing/ China. After returning to Germany in 2016, he served as Vice President of Quality Management at Mercedes-Benz Cars. In 2019, he was named Executive Vice President and joined the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz AG, taking charge of Production & Supply Chain Management.
Joerg’s extensive experience and leadership have been crucial in driving Mercedes-Benz’s dedication to excellence in production, quality, and supply chain management.
26 March 2025
Dieter Fox
(Nvidia)
Where is RobotGPT?
Abstract
The last years have seen astonishing progress in the capabilities of generative AI techniques, particularly in the areas of language and visual understanding and image and video generation. Key to the success of these models are the use of image and text data sets of unprecedented scale along with models that are able to digest such large datasets. We are now seeing the first examples of leveraging such models to equip robots with open-world visual understanding and reasoning capabilities. Unfortunately, however, we have not achieved the RobotGPT moment; these models still struggle with reasoning about geometry and physical interactions in the real world, resulting in brittle performance on seemingly simple tasks such as manipulating objects in the open world. A crucial reason for this problem is the lack of data suitable to train powerful, general models for robot decision making and control.
In this talk, I will discuss approaches to generating large datasets for training robot manipulation capabilities, with a focus on the role simulation can play in this context. I will show some of our prior work, where we demonstrated that manipulation skills trained in simulation can be transferred successfully to the real world, including contact-rich industrial assembly tasks.
Bio
Dieter Fox is Senior Director of Robotics Research at NVIDIA and Professor in the Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering at the University of Washington, where he heads the UW Robotics and State Estimation Lab. Dieter’s research is in robotics and artificial intelligence, with a focus on learning and perception applied to problems such as robot manipulation, mapping, and object detection and tracking. He has published more than 200 technical papers and is the co-author of the textbook “Probabilistic Robotics”. He is a Fellow of the IEEE, AAAI, and ACM, and recipient of the 2020 IEEE Pioneer in Robotics and Automation Award and the 2023 IJCAI John McCarthy Award. He was an editor of the IEEE Transactions on Robotics, program co-chair of the 2008 AAAI Conference on Artificial Intelligence, and program chair of the 2013 Robotics: Science and Systems conference.
26 March 2025
Dr. Jochen Weyrauch
(Dürr)
A Closer Look at Robotic Application in the Painting Industry
Abstract
Dürr designs and realizes turnkey painting and assembly systems, producing high-quality machines and robots for the automotive industry. Special painting robots enable efficient, sustainable production with minimal media use and downtime.
Dürr’s innovations have led to 100% application efficiency, allowing for overspray-free painting of decorative elements. While painting robots remain niche, they significantly enhance sustainable production.
Through the EU-funded RoX project, Dürr is advancing AI in painting automation.
Success requires curious, courageous individuals working collaboratively with trust and respect. Dürr’s vision aims to blend economic efficiency with sustainability for future generations.
Bio
Dr. Jochen Weyrauch (born 1966) was appointed to the Board of Management of Dürr AG on January 1, 2017, and has served as its Chairman since January 1, 2022. He is responsible for the Automotive, Woodworking, Industrial Automation, and Clean Technology Systems Environmental divisions. His responsibilities also include Corporate Development and Corporate Sustainability. Dr. Weyrauch began his career at Continental Teves, later becoming a member of the Board of Management of Carl Schenck AG, and was Chairman of the Management Board of Schenck Process GmbH from 2006 to 2014. Before becoming a member of the Board of Management of Dürr AG in 2017, he worked as an independent consultant. Dr. Weyrauch studied industrial engineering and holds a doctorate in engineering.
27 March 2025
David Reger
(Neura Robotics)
Cognitive Robotics – A New Economic Engine for the Entire EU
Abstract
The global race for robotics is a competition among nations. The US impresses with billions in investments, while Asia stands out through rapid scaling and low prices. Europe traditionally relies on solid development steps, which is the right approach.
In the long run, only those with the resources and know-how to mass-produce complex mechanical precision components will take the lead. Europe’s automotive industry, a decades-long driver of innovation, has built a robust supplier network. As mobility awareness evolves, capacities are freed up—an opportunity, not a threat. They must be preserved and applied to robotics.
The winner will be whoever unites diverse applications in one intelligent robot for industry, services, and households, giving robotics its “smartphone moment.” Such “moments” seldom arrive suddenly in Europe but are all the more sustainable, step by step. Each of those steps can be a “deep-seek moment.”
Europe starts in pole position if startup innovation, excellent institutional research, and automotive resources converge under strong political will.
Bio
David Reger is the founder and CEO of NEURA Robotics, the German company that developed the first series-ready cognitive robot in record time. In recognition of his success as a founder and corporate leader, he was appointed to the German Economic Senate, the Economic Council, and the European Senate for Economy and Technology.
David Reger coined the term “cognitive robotics” and is considered a pioneer in the field. By combining artificial intelligence with groundbreaking sensor and hardware design, he transforms robots into integral parts of modern daily life, addressing urgent societal challenges such as skilled labor shortages.
In 2009, the technical model maker moved to Silicon Valley, where he served the community as a social worker. Returning to Europe in 2013, he built three successful high-tech companies focused on robotics.
Inspired by the conviction that respect for existing technological achievements should never hinder the pursuit of the impossible, he founded NEURA Robotics GmbH in 2019, driven by the idea of creating technologies that serve humanity.
In his role as visionary, technical expert, and responsible entrepreneur, David Reger actively shapes our society’s transformation toward a social robotics economy. He provides political impulses and influences the tech sector as a “down-to-earth doer.”
27 March 2025
Dr. Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut
(Minister of Economic Affairs, Labour and Tourism
of the State of Baden-Württemberg)
AI-Driven Robotics from Baden-Württemberg: Pioneering the Future of European Industry
Abstract
AI-Driven robotics are not just transforming industries – they are redefining the way we work, produce, and innovate. At the heart of this transformation in Europe is Baden-Württemberg, a region known for engineering excellence and technological leadership.
Europe has the potential to lead the next industrial revolution with AI-driven robotics. By fostering a supportive framework for innovation and collaboration, we can shape a future where technology enhances productivity, sustainability, and prosperity. Baden-Württemberg is ready to drive this change – technologically and as a strong partner for other regions for Europe and beyond.
Bio
Dr. Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut was born in Balingen in 1972. After graduating from the Balingen secondary school, she studied business administration at the University of Tübingen and in 2001, the business graduate earned her doctorate at the University of Würzburg.
Dr. Hoffmeister-Kraut started her career in London at the investment bank Morgan Stanley. This was followed by a position as Analyst at Ernst & Young in London and Frankfurt. Since 1998, she has been a partner of the Bizerba SE & Co. KG, with headquarters in Balingen. She was a Member of the Supervisory Board from 2014 until her appointment as Minister in May 2016.
Dr. Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut is also active in the executive committee of the German Protestant Church Congress, in the friends’ association and parents’ council of various Balingen schools as well as in the Board of Trustees of the Zollernalb Psychiatry Foundation.
She has been a member of the Baden-Württemberg Landtag (regional parliament) since May 2016 and on 12 May 2016, Dr. Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut was appointed Minister of Economic Affairs, Labour and Housing of the State of Baden-Württemberg.
On 12 May 2021, Hoffmeister-Kraut was appointed Minister of Economic Affairs, Labour and Tourism of the State of Baden-Württemberg.
Until May 2016, she was also member of the Balingen City Council and the Zollernalbkreis County Council.
Dr. Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut is married and has three daughters
27 March 2025
Lucilla Sioli
(AI office at EC)
Harnessing AI to power robotics is key to enable Europe’s competitiveness
Abstract
Harnessing AI to power robotics is central to ensuring Europe’s future competitiveness. Through initiatives like ApplyAI and GenAI4EU, Europe is positioning itself as an AI Continent, leveraging cutting-edge technologies to drive innovation across sectors. The upcoming ApplyAI strategy aims to integrate AI into various industries, enhancing automation and efficiency. It builds on and integrates the GenAI4EU initiative, which supports the development of generative AI models and solutions to strengthen Europe’s leadership in robotics, manufacturing, healthcare and other strategic industrial and public sectors. By fostering collaboration between research institutions, industries, and Member States, Europe aims to accelerate the deployment of AI-powered robotics, boosting productivity and fostering sustainable economic growth. The European commitment to AI and robotics will secure a competitive, innovative, and responsible future.
Bio
Ms Lucilla Sioli is the Director of the “EU AI Office” within Directorate-General CONNECT at the European Commission. She is responsible for the coordination of the European AI strategy, including the implementation of the AI Act and international collaboration in trustworthy AI and AI for good. The directorate is also responsible for R&D&I activities in AI and for the implementation of the AI Innovation Package. Lucilla holds a PhD in economics from the University of Southampton (UK) and one from the Catholic University of Milan (Italy) and has been a civil servant with the European Commission since 1997.