Here you will find the ImpulsCenter lecture programme in Hall 4! The ImpulsCenter is aimed at trade visitors who are looking for new perspectives, food for thought and inspiration for their everyday work. In addition to specialist topics, keynote speakers from outside the industry enrich the programme. Topics such as leadership, digitalisation and sustainability are the focus here.
Wednesday, 18.03.2026
ImpulsCenter, Hall 4
Process automation / AI
Moderation:
Dr. Julia Mann, Managing Director, Center for Artificial Intelligence, RWTH Aachen University
13.00 – 13.30 a.m.
Intelligent bulk material discharge based on 3D vision
Description
The discharge of bulk materials from storage systems can be problematic, as uneven loading in particular can result in discontinuous discharge flows. The presentation will introduce a method that uses a 3D vision system to determine the loading of discharge systems, enabling intelligent discharge patterns.
Speaker:
Prof. Dr. Dominik Aufderheide – South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences, Soest Campus – Department of Electrical Energy Engineering – Industrial Measurement Technology (iMe)
11h00 – 11h30 am
The 6 building blocks of the smart factory
Description
Numerous new EU regulations affect industrial companies and products and stipulate tight implementation deadlines. This poses major challenges for many companies. What does a machine manufacturer need to consider with regard to the new Machinery Regulation? How can the EU Cyber Resilience Act be complied with? What does the EU AI Act require? What measures need to be taken and where? Florian Kiel explains the practical handling of regulations and standards in the three areas of functional safety, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence—because both can also secure the future of your business.
Speaker:
Florian Kiel
Field Sales Executive – Functional Safety / Cybersecurity / Artificial Intelligence, TÜV Rheinland Industrie Service GmbH
11.00 – 11.30 am
The 6 building blocks of the smart factory
Description
Automation and AI are important, but they alone cannot solve a single structural problem. The decisive factor is the interaction of all six building blocks of the smart factory: automation, digitalization, lean, AI, sustainability, and OT security. Drawing on 38 years of industry experience, Johann Hofmann shows why many digitalization initiatives get bogged down, how companies can safely resolve project backlogs, and how isolated individual solutions can be turned into a powerful overall system that actually advances production. A presentation for decision-makers who are looking for guidance, want to make bold decisions, and achieve real progress. Clear, understandable, and 100% practical. No buzzwords, but plenty of ideas you can put into action right away.
Speaker:
Johann Hofmann, Dipl.-Ing. (FH)
Your practical partner on the path to the SMART FACTORY
11.30 – 12.00 Uhr
Overall system optimization in plastics production through AI model coupling
Description
In plastics production, individual process steps are often viewed in isolation, even though they are highly interdependent. This makes it difficult to assess quality, cost-effectiveness, and process stability holistically. The presentation introduces an AI-supported solution that links separately developed models of different production steps, thus making correlations transparent. This enables well-founded production decisions to be made. Using the example of the manufacture of a plastic cup, it is shown how linked AI models map interactions between production steps and support targeted process optimization.
Speaker:
Sylwia Olbrych
Women in AI Aachen, RWTH Aachen University (WZL-IQS)
12.00 – 12.30 pm
Plug & Produce for recycling and bulk materials – Modular process automation with MTP
Description
The presentation shows how recycling and bulk material processes can be made significantly more flexible and efficient through modular process automation. Using the Module Type Package (MTP) as an example, it explains how modules can be described, integrated, and commissioned across different manufacturers. The focus is on typical challenges in the industry—changing material properties, variable process chains, and high engineering costs—and on how “plug & produce” with MTP simplifies the planning, commissioning, expansion, and conversion of plants. The presentation is aimed at plant manufacturers, operators, and automation specialists who want to use modular concepts in a practical way.
Speaker:
Dr.-Ing. Torben Miny
Oberingenieur, Senior Researcher, Lehrstuhl für Informations- und Automatisierungssysteme für die Prozess- und Werkstofftechnik,
RWTH Aachen University
Start-up keynote speeches
12:30 - 13:00 pm
From gut feeling to data security: we make decisions reliable.
Description
Incorrect declaration of mineral waste can be costly: fines, obligations to dismantle, liability risks. The Mineral Waste Manager puts an end to manual evaluation of test reports and uncertain classifications. Our AI analyzes test reports automatically in seconds, assesses waste precisely, and transfers all data into a continuous digital process. The result: transparent, reliable decisions, real legal certainty, and data instead of gut feeling.
Speaker:
Carsten Preuß
Senior Account Executive, Mineral Waste Manager GmbH
13.00 – 13.30 pm
From trash to treasure: analyzing mineral construction waste with AI
Description
Optocycle pursues a clear vision: a world in which all construction debris becomes new building material. As a leading innovator in the construction and recycling industry, the company combines AI-powered hardware and software to efficiently and transparently transform mineral construction waste into sustainable building materials.
Speaker:
Max-Frederick Gerken
Founder and Managing Director, Optocycle GmbH
13.30 – 14.00 pm
XORTION Performance: Optimieren beginnt im Bestand – und mit der Wahrheit über die Anlage
Description
The presentation shows why sustainable optimization begins with existing assets. XORTION Performance analyzes real operating data, highlights deviations, and derives targeted measures to increase efficiency, availability, and performance.
Speakers:
Philipp Gatzen
Technical Director, XORTION Engineering GmbH
Urban Kozinc
Managing Director, XORTION Engineering GmbH
Key Note: The Human Factor – Learning from Professional Soccer
Moderation and discussion leader:
Michael Rummenigge, former professional soccer player and now entrepreneur
Time:
14.00 - 14.45 am
Description:
Michael Rummenigge has extensive experience in team sports and knows what is important when it comes to team building. Find out how you too can get your team in top form! Learn to see people not just as tools, but as building blocks for success in sports and business. Speaker Michael Rummenigge shows ways and means for lone wolves, team players, and managers to find common ground. In this presentation, you will learn the recipe for success for effective teams in your company.
Start-up keynote speeches
14.45 – 15.15 pm
Decentralized heating and cooling at the workplace
Description
Short-wave electric infrared technology provides precise, instant heat at the workplace and in halls without heating the entire air. In addition, evaporative cooling ensures energy-efficient, comfortable conditions—all year round and according to demand, also available in a climate-neutral version.
Speaker:
Florian Kolken
Geschäftsführer, TEL GmbH
15.15 – 15.45 Uhr
Temperature-controlled trajectory mixture: Precise temperature control and high homogeneity in bulk material and casting processes
Description
Trajectory mixing combines agitator-free mixing with a highly efficient, temperature-controlled container. This enables precise temperature control during mixing for the first time—ideal for powders, castables, and highly viscous compounds. Effects on homogeneity, water requirement, and density are demonstrated.
Speaker:
Andreas Leitze
Managing Director, hs-tumbler GmbH
Thursday, 19.03.2026
ImpulsCenter, Hall 4
Keynote speeches
Moderation and discussion leader:
Dr. Julia Mann, Managing Director
Partner:
Center for Artificial Intelligence, RWTH Aachen University
10.00 – 10.30 am
From potential to performance: inclusive leadership as a success factor
Description
Many companies have excellent expertise, yet fail to exploit it fully. This presentation highlights how inclusive leadership helps to identify risks earlier, improve quality, and make better decisions.
Speaker:
Prof. Dr. Dominik Aufderheide – South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences, Soest Campus – Department of Electrical Energy Engineering – Industrial Measurement Technology (iMe)
11.00 – 11.30 am
The 6 building blocks of the smart factory
Description
• How automation, digitalization, lean, AI, sustainability, and OT security can be combined to form a viable overall system
• Why digitalization projects fail and how to prevent this
• How to clear the project backlog
• Why AI only makes sense once the foundations are firmly in place
Speaker:
Johann Hofmann, Dipl.-Ing. (FH)
Your practical partner on the path to the SMART FACTORY
Start-up keynote lecture
Moderation and discussion facilitation:
Dr. Julia Mann, Managing Director
Partner:
Center for Artificial Intelligence, RWTH Aachen University
12.20 – 12.50 pm
Start-up keynote lecture: How heavy is a single particle? Size analysis beyond diameters.
Description
Particles are not spherical, yet “size” is always associated with nm or µm. We present two new particle analyzers that can directly measure the mass of individual particles in picograms and femtograms. In combination with rapid diameter analysis, this allows us, for example, to determine particle density.
Speaker:
Dr. Franz Friebel
Co-founder and CTO, femtoG
11.00 – 11.30 am
The 6 building blocks of the smart factory
Description
• How automation, digitalization, lean, AI, sustainability, and OT security come together to form a viable overall system
• Why digitalization projects fail and how to prevent it
• How to resolve project backlogs
• Why AI only makes sense when the foundation is solid
Speaker:
Johann Hofmann, M.Sc. (FH)
Your practical partner on the way to the SMART FACTORY
lunch break
business succession
Moderation and discussion leader:
Dr. Julia Mann, Managing Director
Partner:
Center for Artificial Intelligence, RWTH Aachen University
10.00 – 10.30 am
Business succession in the bulk materials and recycling industry – opportunities and challenges
Description
Handing over a life’s work or taking over a company—both require planning and clarity. In this impulse, you will learn
what is important in company succession, what risks exist, and how to avoid typical mistakes.
You will also gain insights into the perspective of banks, tips on preparing for financing discussions, and information
on financing and subsidies.
Speaker:
Mario Doering
Funding Advice & Customer Service, NRW.BANK
11.00 – 11.30 am
The 6 building blocks of the smart factory
Description
- How automation, digitalization, lean, AI, sustainability, and OT security can be combined into a viable overall system
- Why digitalization projects fail and how to prevent this
- How to resolve project backlogs
- Why AI only makes sense once the foundations are firmly in place
Speaker:
Johann Hofmann, Dipl.-Ing. (FH)
Your practical partner on the path to the SMART FACTORY
Start-up keynote lecture
Moderation and discussion leadership:
Dr. Julia Mann, Managing Director
Partner:
Center for Artificial Intelligence, RWTH Aachen University
14.00 – 14.30 pm
Affordable High-Quality Circular Materials as competitive edge for Industry & Construction
Description
With ParaStruct’s technology mineral & biogenic material flows are reversibly bound into high-performance, low-carbon building materials. High-quality products at affordable prices benefit your company & customers.Benefit, become a regional pioneer and valorize unused fractions. Cash the Trash!
Sprecher:
Maria Eisenmann
Sales Consultant, ParaStruct
11.00 – 11.30 am
The six building blocks of the smart factory
Description
• How automation, digitalization, lean, AI, sustainability, and OT security come together to form a viable overall system
• Why digitalization projects fail and how to prevent it
• How to resolve project backlogs
• Why AI only makes sense when the foundation is solid
Speaker:
Johann Hofmann, Dipl.-Ing. (FH)
Your practical partner on the path to the SMART FACTORY