David Reger is a visionary in the field of AI-powered cognitive robotics. His groundbreaking work aims to redefine the role of technology in our lives by entrusting robots with everyday tasks so that humans have more time for humanity. By founding Neura Robotics in 2019, David laid the foundation for positioning cognitive robots as essential companions in our modern, socially connected world. 

Roman Hölzl is co-founder and CEO of RobCo GmbH in Munich, developing modular, intelligent robots to automate industrial tasks efficiently. He holds a Master’s in Human Factors Engineering from TUM, studied at Sydney and Harvard, and graduated in Technology Management from CDTM. Named Handelsblatt’s Entrepreneur of the Day and Forbes 30 Under 30, he gained experience at Tesla, Kuka, and BMW, and is also a former German Academic Ski Freestyle Champion.

Christian Piechnick is the CEO and Co-Founder of Wandelbots, a pioneering force behind software-defined industrial automation. With a background in Media Computer Science and Software Architecture, Christian has dedicated his career to transforming robotics from rigid, hardware-driven systems into intelligent, adaptive software ecosystems. Under his leadership, Wandelbots has raised over €125 million from strategic investors including Insight Partners, Microsoft, Siemens and 83North. His vision has redefined how factories operate, enabling manufacturers to optimize productivity, scalability, and resilience without mechanical redesigns. Today, Christian is at the forefront of Physical AI, where accelerated simulation, AI, and robotics converge at the edge. In partnership with NVIDIA, Wandelbots is enabling factories to evolve into learning systems that adapt in real time. As a recognized industry voice, Christian champions Europe’s role in shaping the next industrial revolution, one where automation becomes smarter, faster, and deeply integrated with artificial intelligence at its core. 

Jens Kotlarski studied mechanical engineering in Hannover. He did his PhD in robotics and established his first company in 2012. In 2017 he founded Yuanda Robotics focusing on collaborative robots with human senses – from the idea to a certified product. Today, as founder and CEO of voraus robotik, Jens and his team build an agnostic SW platform for automation. A platform that unleashes the potential of Industrial DevOps and modern SW development and orchestrates the entire automation in real time.

Roberta Tanzariello is Platform Lead for Robotics and Digital Tools at Rockwell Automation, steering strategy and growth for Integrated Robotics Solutions. She manages long-term vision and business growth, roadmaps, feature prioritization, and leads cross-functional teams and sales enablement initiatives. Previously, she was a Robotics Champion and Technology Consultant in Mechatronics, supporting OEMs internationally. She started her career in the EMEA Graduate Program as Commercial Engineer. Roberta holds an MBA and double master's degrees in Automation Engineering and Control Engineering, she’s earned awards for leadership and innovation, and published on robotics integration and digital transformation. 

Susanne Nördinger is an experienced ecosystem leader in robotics, recognized as one of the "10 Women Shaping the Future of Robotics in 2025." With a background in engineering and international business, she drives partner success across EMEA at Universal Robots. Known for her curiosity and collaborative spirit, she loves connecting people, ideas, and technologies to spark innovation and real-world impact.

Kateryna Portmann is Co-Lead of the Swiss Chapter of Women in Robotics, where she actively champions diversity, inclusion, and ethical innovation in the field. She is a visionary leader at the forefront of robotics and AI governance. As a Senior Product Manager at ANYbotics, a global pioneer in autonomous legged robots for industrial inspection, Kateryna plays a key role in shaping the responsible development and deployment of AI-powered robotics.

In addition to her role at ANYbotics, Kateryna is the newly appointed Lead of the Robotics Initiative at Women in AI Governance. She is also honored as one of the Women in Robotics – Share the Future 2025 by the International Federation of Robotics, recognizing her profound impact in advancing inclusive and human-centric technology.

Driven by a mission to ensure that robotics and AI solve real-world problems with integrity, safety, and purpose, Kateryna continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible, blending cutting-edge technology with ethical practices.

Dr.-Ing. Caren Dripke is a recognized expert in industrial robotics and automation. After studying mechatronics and technical cybernetics, she earned her doctorate at the Institute for Control Engineering at the University of Stuttgart, specializing in control systems. At Lorch Schweißtechnik, she leads the robotics development department and is responsible for the development of the Cobot Welding Packages – modular automation solutions for collaborative welding. These systems enable medium-sized companies to easily enter welding automation and combine intuitive software, high-quality welding technology, and flexible hardware into a powerful overall package. 

I am the CEO of CESYS GmbH, a second-generation, family-run electronics company. We develop control systems for special-purpose machines and sensor solutions. After working in the healthcare sector, I joined the family business and took over as Managing Director almost ten years later. Today, I shape innovations at the intersection of technology, people, and the future - across a wide range of industries. 

Paul Maroldt, born in Hamburg in 1994, completed a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering and subsequently a master's degree in "Robotics, Cognition, Intelligence" at the Technical University of Munich. In 2020, he founded RobCo, a company that develops modular robotics solutions for industry, together with Roman Hölzl and Constantin Dresel. At RobCo, Maroldt held various positions, including mechatronic development and head of robot engineering. Currently, as Head of Customer Value Engineering, he is responsible for the technical planning of customer-specific automation solutions. 

Christian Scheifele is managing partner of ISG Industrielle Steuerungstechnik GmbH and among other things responsible for the simulation technology. In the area of simulation technology, ISG offers innovative products and solutions for digital twins and virtual commissioning with ISG-virtuos, ISG-dirigent and the TwinStore. After studying mechatronics and subsequently obtaining a doctorate in engineering at Stuttgart University on the topic of "Platform for real-time co-simulation for virtual commissioning", Christian Scheifele has been designing accompanying research and innovation projects at ISG since mid-2019, in addition to product development in the area of simulation technology.    

Electronic Engineer specialized in standardizing robotics programming and developing Industry 4.0 tools for automated manufacturing lines.

Leads automation projects within the Electrical Engineering Department at Mondragon Assembly.

Roeland Hagesteijn is the Managing Director of PLCopen, the global organization dedicated to standardizing and advancing industrial automation through open, vendor-independent solutions. Since joining PLCopen in January 2024, Roeland has focused on aligning the organization's initiatives with emerging technologies, including robotics. PLCopen continues to develop and promote standards that enhance interoperability and efficiency in automation systems worldwide.

Günes Bilgen holds a double role as Working Group Leader at PI (Robot Systems) and as Lead Product Portfolio Manager for Robotics at Siemens. With a strong educational background in mechatronics, robotics, and automation, Günes brings a wealth of knowledge to these positions. His experience in technical support, consulting, and project management has been instrumental in the development and management of the SIMATIC Robot Library at Siemens. Günes plays a vital role in advancing robot systems and automation technologies, making significant contributions to both the working group and the product portfolio at Siemens. 

Michael Kunze, CEO of MKey Solution GmbH, one of the “Preferred Network Solution Partner” for Keyence, holds a degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Erlangen, specializing in image communication. 

After working as a test engineer, he worked at Keyence for 14 years and was responsible for the camera systems in Germany. 

For 11 years, he has run his own company, specializing in both standard and advanced solutions like “AI-Solutions” or the “Light-Field Technology". 

From 2007-2009 Dr. Bernd Kuhlenkötter was responsible for product management and technology at ABB Automation GmbH. His area of responsibility encompassed the development of new robot technologies in cooperation with international ABB development centers. Since 2009 till today he is responsible for Strategic Research and Development at ABB AG Friedberg and local product management Germany, especially for Automotive. 

Holger Schnabel studied computer science at the University of Würzburg and completed his PhD thesis at TU Darmstadt in March 2009, focusing on simulation of register control in rotogravure printing machines. From 2009 to 2015, he worked in the motion development. Afterwards he served as Program Manager at Bosch Connected Industry and Product Owner for the IoT Gateway. In 2017, he led the development of the ctrlX CORE Control platform. Since July 2024 Holger Schnabel is Business Owner Motion responsible for strategic initiatives in motion solutions and robotics.