Our goal: Accelerating the development of dynamically cooperating drive systems for humanoid robots

The Technology Forum Accelerating Robotics - The Drive behind Human Robots brings on 28 and 29 October 2026 on Fraunhofer IWU in Chemnitz developers, drive specialists and production technologists together. 

 

The focus is on accelerating development dynamic co-operating drive systems for humanoid robots, from system design and modular integration concepts to scalable production strategies. The aim is to jointly decisive step from the prototype to the industrially finished mass-produced product.

What requirements will be placed on the next generation of dynamically co-operating drive systems? What systemic approaches exist - and why? How do we develop flexible, integrated drive modules and manufacture them economically and scalably? And above all: How do we make the step from prototype to customisable mass-produced product?

The Technology Forum Accelerating Robotics - The Drive behind Human Robots will shed light on these issues, from system design and modular integration concepts to scalable production strategies.

A particular focus is on the role of production technology in humanoid robotics and the resulting requirements for precision, efficiency and scaling.

The event is aimed at Developers, technologists and product managers in the field of drive technology as well as associated production and manufacturing experts.

Our focus: The role of production technology in humanoid robotics (precision, efficiency, scaling)

Design the next generation of flexible, scalable drive systems for humanoid robots. Exchange ideas with product developers, drive specialists and production technologists. Through a interdisciplinary and focussed exchange we will accelerate the development of drive technology for humanoid robots

- a new drive for human robots.

Where?

Fraunhofer Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology IWU Reichenhainer Str. 88, 09126 Chemnitz

Agenda & programme overview

Day 1 | 28.10.2026 | 9:30 am to 4:30 pm + evening event

  • Keynote: The importance of drive technology for humanoid robots
  • Technical presentations on basic principles and system requirements from a drive technology perspective
  • Concrete application examples from industry and development
  • Speed dating: Potentials and challenges from a production engineering perspective
  • Evening networking at the Chemnitz Industrial Museum
 

Day 2 | 29.10.2026 | 9:00 am to 4:30 pm

  • Keynotes on key technology topics
  • Presentations on product simulation and development
  • Manufacturing & production of integrated drive modules
  • Cost structures, scaling and industrialisation

Speakers and schedule will follow.

Are you already convinced?
Then register now by e-mail free of charge for further information on the Registration for the two-day event not to be missed!

Do you still have questions?
Then please do not hesitate to contact us. Get in touch with robotics@imk-ic.com and we will be happy to help you.

Accelerating Robotics – The Drive behind Human Robots

Where drive technology meets the robotics of the future

The Technology Forum Accelerating Robotics - The Drive behind Human Robots will bring together developers, drive specialists and production technologists at the Fraunhofer IWU in Chemnitz on 28 and 29 October 2026.

The focus is on accelerating the development of dynamically cooperative drive systems for humanoid robots – from system design and modular integration concepts through to scalable production strategies.

Zahnräder und Antriebsmechanismen

The central questions of the forum

What are the requirements for the next generation of dynamically cooperative drive systems? How can we develop flexible, integrated drive modules and manufacture them cost-effectively and on a scalable basis? And above all: how can we make the transition from prototype to a customisable mass-produced product?

Particular emphasis is placed on the The role of production technology in humanoid robotics and the resulting requirements for precision, efficiency and scaling.

The event is aimed at developers, technologists and product managers in the field of drive technology as well as associated production and manufacturing experts.

Design the next generation of flexible, scalable drive systems for humanoid robots.

Exchange ideas with product developers, drive specialists and production technologists.

Accelerating the development of propulsion technology for humanoid robots through interdisciplinary collaboration.

Fraunhofer IWU Chemnitz

AddressFraunhofer Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology IWU
Reichenhainer Str. 88, 09126 Chemnitz
date28 October 2026 - Day 1
29 October 2026 - Day 2

Science and business come together

The forum is organised by imk Health Intelligence GmbH in cooperation with Fraunhofer IWU. Together we are creating a unique space for knowledge transfer, networking and innovation in the field of humanoid robotics.

Request information →

Agenda & programme overview

Day 1

28 October 2026

9.30 am to 5.00 pm + evening event

Coffee, a first meeting and making new contacts.

Classification of humanoid robotics: requirements, potential and challenges.

Kinematics, load groups, motion profiles, redundancy, safety and human-robot interaction.

Chair: Dr Chris Schöberlein (TUC)

Food stall in the event area. Marketplace – experience products and technologies first-hand.

Practical insights and a strategic perspective from the industry.

Presentation: Schaeffler

A comparison of direct drives, gearboxes (cycloidal, harmonic drive, planetary), fluidic, hybrid and series-elastic approaches.

Moderator: Dr Chris Schöberlein (TUC) · Presentations: IMS, Prof. Berger, Florian Eigner (imk)

Networking in the event area.

A structured event featuring speed dating to facilitate targeted networking.

18:00 Guided tour of the Chemnitz Industrial Museum · 19:00–22:00 Dinner with a speech by imk & IWU.

Day 2

29 October 2026

9:00 am to 4:30 pm

A look back at Day 1, a preview of the programme, coffee and initial discussions.

An insight into manufacturing processes, scaling strategies and their applicability to humanoid robots.

Presentation: Infineon

Manufacture of precision components, automated assembly, testing strategies, modularisation and service life in high-volume production drives.

Moderators: Carsten Hochmuth, Prof. Verena Kräusel (IWU) · Presentations: Profiroll, Präwema

Street food, industry and research in dialogue.

Manufacturing strategies for acoustically optimised moving components. Simulation, calculation and regulatory requirements.

Moderator: Holger Kunze (IWU) · Presentations: Dekra, HandsOn Robotics GmbH

Last chance to talk to exhibitors and experts.

Software, condition monitoring and sensor technology for humanoid robots. Final presentations and a joint summary.

Contributions: Dr Jens Trepte, Dr Martin Dix

A detailed programme and further speakers will be announced shortly.

PSP Logo Fraunhofer IWU Logo imk Health Intelligence

Secure your place

Register now to secure your place at the Technology Forum.

Do you still have questions?

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Drop us a line at robotics@imk-ic.com and we’ll be happy to help you.

Contact

Would you like to take part as an exhibitor?

Showcase your products and technologies directly on the event floor to a highly relevant specialist audience from industry and research.

Send an enquiry to an exhibitor
Accelerating Robotics – The Drive behind Human Robots

Where drive technology meets the robotics of the future

The Technology Forum Accelerating Robotics - The Drive behind Human Robots will bring together developers, drive specialists and production technologists at the Fraunhofer IWU in Chemnitz on 28 and 29 October 2026.

The focus is on accelerating the development of dynamically cooperating drive systems for humanoid robots, from system design and modular integration concepts through to scalable production strategies. The aim is to take the decisive next step together.

Zahnräder und Antriebsmechanismen

The central questions of the forum

What requirements will be placed on the next generation of dynamically co-operating drive systems? What systemic approaches exist - and why? How do we develop flexible, integrated drive modules and manufacture them economically and scalably? And above all: How do we make the step from prototype to customisable mass-produced product?

The technology forum sheds light on these issues, from system design and modular integration concepts to scalable production strategies. A particular focus is on the The role of production technology in humanoid robotics and the resulting requirements for precision, efficiency and scaling.

The event is aimed at developers, technologists and product managers in the field of drive technology as well as associated production and manufacturing experts.

Design the next generation of flexible, scalable drive systems for humanoid robots.

Exchange ideas with product developers, drive specialists and production technologists.

Accelerating the development of drive technology for humanoid robots through interdisciplinary and focussed exchange.

Fraunhofer IWU Chemnitz

Address Fraunhofer Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology IWU
Reichenhainer Str. 88, 09126 Chemnitz
date 28 October 2026 - Day 1
29 October 2026 - Day 2

Science and business come together

The forum is organised by imk Health Intelligence GmbH in cooperation with Fraunhofer IWU. Together we are creating a unique space for knowledge transfer, networking and innovation in the field of humanoid robotics.

Agenda & programme overview

Day 1

28 October 2026

9:30 am to 4:30 pm + evening event

  • Keynote: The importance of drive technology for humanoid robots
  • Technical presentations on basic principles and system requirements from a drive technology perspective
  • Concrete application examples from industry and development
  • Speed dating: Potentials and challenges from a production engineering perspective
  • Evening networking at the Chemnitz Industrial Museum

Day 2

29 October 2026

9:00 am to 4:30 pm

  • Keynotes on key technology topics
  • Presentations on product simulation and development
  • Manufacturing & production of integrated drive modules
  • Cost structures, scaling and industrialisation

Speakers and detailed schedule will follow.

PSP Logo Fraunhofer IWU Logo imk Health Intelligence

Secure your place

Are you already convinced?

Register now by e-mail for further information free of charge so as not to miss out on registration for the two-day event!

Register now →

Do you still have questions?

Do not hesitate to contact us. Get in touch with robotics@imk-ic.com and we will be happy to help you.

Contact

Register now!

Once you have entered all the required information correctly, a confirmation of your successful registration will appear here after you click on the "Submit now" button. You will also receive this confirmation by email.

Prices

All prices are exclusive of VAT.

The registration fee covers participation in the main and supporting programmes of Accelerating Robotics 2026 and includes access to the talks and the exhibition area, including refreshments during breaks and lunch on 28 and 29 October 2026, as well as attendance at the evening event on 28 October 2026.
Participants are responsible for organising their own travel to and from the event, as well as any overnight accommodation, at their own expense.

Hotel recommendations will follow shortly.

WHAT CAN WE DO FOR YOU?

Contact

Katharina Herrmann

Business Development Manager