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 and discussion leader:
Dr. Julia Mann, Managing Director
partner:
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
The 6 building blocks of the smart factory
Description
• How automation, digitalisation, lean, AI, sustainability and OT security can be combined to form a viable overall system
• Why digitalisation 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
lunch break
Key Note: The Human Factor – Learning from Professional Soccer
Moderation and discussion leader:
Michael Rummenigge, former professional soccer player
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.
Thursday, 19.03.2026
ImpulsCenter, Hall 4
Morning program: Coming soon
Moderation and discussion leader:
Dr. Julia Mann, Managing Director
Partner:
Center for Artificial Intelligence, RWTH Aachen University
10.00 – 10.30 am
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)
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
lunch break
Afternoon program: Coming soon
Moderation and discussion leader:
Dr. Julia Mann, Managing Director
Partner:
Center for Artificial Intelligence, RWTH Aachen University
10.00 – 10.30 am
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)
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
Innovation presentations Start-Ups
10.00 – 10.30 a.m.
3D laser scanning and construction
Speaker:
Vladimir Metzler
Owner / Construction, Metzler Fördertechnik e.K.
10.30 – 11.00 a.m.
XORTI - Digital insights for the optimization of recycling and treatment plants
Speaker:
Urban Kozinc
CEO, XORTION Engineering GmbH
11.00 – 11.30 a.m.
Into the future with digitalisation and AI: Mineral material flow management 4.0
Speaker:
Carsten Preuß
Sales Manager, Mineral Waste Manager GmbH
11.30 – 12.00 a.m.
Efficient solutions for complex mixing requirements
Speaker:
Andreas Leitze
Managing Director, hs-Tumbler GmbH
12.00 – 12.30 a.m.
Economic evaluation of small decentralised plants for minor waste streams
Speaker:
Marco Karber
Managing Director, AES Autonome Energiesysteme GmbH
12.30 – 13.00 a.m.
Wastewater treatment and recycling in the recycling industry with practical examplesSpeaker: Marco Karber Managing Director, AES Autonome Energiesysteme GmbH
Speaker:
Daniel Martschoke
Managing Director, Lynatox GmbH
Frank Schlegel
Managing Director, smart5 envitech GmbH
13.00 – 13.30 a.m.
Heating people instead of air - the new way to heat halls with electricity
Speaker:
Florian Kolken
Managing Director, TEL GmbH
13.30 – 14.00 a.m.
Cash the Trash: Building products from mineral and biogenic wasteSpeaker: Florian Kolken Managing Director, TEL GmbH
Speaker:
Dr Freia Ruegenberg
Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer, Parastruct GmbH