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The Technology Forum

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.

Our focal points

The central questions of the forum

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.

Exhibitor

These exhibitors look forward to welcoming you

Your company could be listed here too. Find out more.

Venue

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

Organiser

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.

Our speakers

Our focal points

Agenda & programme overview

Day 1

28 October 2026

9.30 am to 5.00 pm + evening event

09:30 – 10:00: Opening & Welcome

Coffee, a first meeting and making new contacts.

Thomas Priemuth (BMW): „Best Practice – The Use of Humanoids in Production“

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

Posts:

  • Dieter Volpert (Synapticon): „POSITRON Safety AI – functional safety for robots outside the cage”
  • Robert Vogel (TQRoboDrive): „“The Robotics Actuator as a Lever for Scaling – Successfully Resolving Conflicts between Performance, Integration and Cost"
  • Aihua Hong (Faulhaber): „Drive systems for humanoid robots: from the robot hand to the robot joint“

Moderator: Florian Eigner (IMK Health Intelligence)

Food stalls in the event area · Market square featuring an exhibition by our industry partners – experience our products and technologies first-hand.

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

Posts:

  • Michael Knöpfle (IMS Gear): „Drives for humanoid robots – high precision and power density, lightweight and cost-effective for mass production – lessons learnt from the automotive industry“
  • Wolfgang Sühling & Janina Weil (Framo Morat GmbH & Co. KG): „Beyond the Standard: Application-Specific Gearbox Solutions for Robotics“

Chair: Dr Chris Schöberlein (TUC)

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

Posts:

  • Prof. Maik Berger (Chemnitz University of Technology): „Drive system development tools and AI-driven system architectures for industrial and humanoid robots“
  • Florian Eigner (imk Health Intelligence): „Special gear teeth with next|gear – from design to production-ready tooling solutions“

Chair: Dr Chris Schöberlein (TUC)

Coffee break · Exhibition area featuring our industry partners – experience their products and technologies first-hand.

Presentation of our robotics networks (Dr Todtermuscke)

Live demonstration: The use of humanoids in an industrial context · Poster exhibition · Presentation of research institutions and external networks

18:00–22:00 Dinner with musical entertainment & dinner speech by IMK & IWU

Day 2

29 October 2026

9:00 am to 4:30 pm

09:00 – 09:30: Opening Day 2

A look back at Day 1 & a preview of the programme · Coffee & networking.

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

  • Presentation: Dr Falko Höhnsdorf (Infineon): „Silicon Meets Steel: Semiconductor Industry Best Practices Driving the Next Wave of Robotics Scalability“

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

Posts:

  • Dr Michael Hirsch (Profiroll): „Metal forming as the basis of humanoid robotics“
  • Jörg Schieke (Präwema): „From automotive powertrains to humanoid robots: new manufacturing technologies for robotics“
  • Dr Claus Eppler (CHIRON Group SE): „Scalable manufacturing of precision components for humanoid robotics“

Chairs: Carsten Hochmuth, Prof. Verena Kräusel (IWU)

Food stalls in the event area · Market square featuring an exhibition by our industry partners – experience our products and technologies first-hand.

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

Posts:

  • Erik Winkelmann (Dekra): „From prototype to type approval: the regulatory framework for humanoid robots“
  • Dr Markus Vorrath (HandsOn Robotics GmbH): „Automating manual tasks in community kitchens using purpose-built robotics.“
  • Felix Herrmann (Wittenstein Galaxie): „WITTENSTEIN – Quality of motion through mechanics, sensor technology and digital twins“
  • Jan Troge (Fraunhofer IWU): „From Noise to Sound Design: Acoustic Challenges in the Drive Systems of Humanoid Robots“

Chair: Holger Kunze (Fraunhofer IWU) 

Coffee break · Exhibition area featuring our industry partners – experience their products and technologies first-hand.

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

Posts:

  • Frank Angermann (Ramblr): „From human processes to Physical AI: The foundation for the intelligence of the next generation of robots“
  • Michael Spitzhirn (imk Industrial Intelligence): „Factory Planning & Human(oid) Work Design in the Industrial Metaverse“
  • Dr Thomas Frank (CiS Research Institute for Microsensors GmbH): „Scalable silicon sensor technology for humanoid robots: Si strain sensors in multi-component force/moment systems“
  • Marvin Meudt (Nabtesco GmbH): „From Torque to Touch – Why Advanced Sensors are the Key to Sensitive Robotics“

Chaired by: Dr Jens Trepte, Prof. Dr Martin Dix 

Act now

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.

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.

Register now!

Accelerating Robotics Registration
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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.
Cancellations are free of charge up to and including 30 September 2026. For cancellations made on or after 1 October 2026, the full ticket price will be charged.

Please feel free to make use of our allocated quota for Special terms and conditions:

WHAT CAN WE DO FOR YOU?

Contact

Katharina Herrmann

Business Development Manager