PRESS RELEASE
Fifth International Automotive Conference at Fronius
Joining smart technologies
That was the motto of the fifth International Automotive Conference that took place on the 10 th and 11th
May 2017 at the Fronius production and logistics site in Sattledt. Under the direction of Dr. Michael Zürn
(Daimler AG), Dr. Florian Oefele (BMW AG), Steffen Müller (Audi AG) and honorary chairman Dr. Klaus
Koglin, delegates – including many experts from the automotive and component supply industry –
discussed the challenges facing joining technologies for lightweight bodies, additive manufacturing
and the age of artificial intelligence.
The conference addressed topical issues such as digitalisation, Industry 4.0 and smart factories. The vision of a
production environment in which manufacturing and logistics systems can organise themselves to a large extent
with no human intervention, as well as systems that independently communicate with each other via the
“Internet of Things”, prompted many questions. In addition to the varied programme of presentations, there was
also plenty of time for participants to swap experiences and expertise.
It was therefore appropriate that Kai Gondlach, futurologist at the think tank 2bAHEAD, posed the following
question in his introductory talk: “What will happen an age of artificial intelligence? What will happen when
computers are more intelligent than people? Will our expertise, our knowledge, our ability to advise be lost?”
The fact is, the speed of technology-driven development will only increase, and never reverse. This is precisely
why cooperation and mutual dialogues are critical. “The conference is very important; it allows us to network
and to find out what is driving the automotive industry, giving us input for our future developments,” states
Fronius Managing Director Elisabeth Engelbrechtsmüller-Strauß, highlighting the event’s significance from the
organiser’s perspective.
In their presentations, speakers from Daimler, Magna Steyr, Audi, VW and BMW spoke about solutions and
ideas for meeting the demands and challenges of building modern car bodies, characterised by the diverse mix
of materials, a high degree of product complexity, a fast-moving environment on the ground and digitalisation.
Alexander Fickerl from BMW called for the speed advantage of Industry 4.0 to be harnessed to execute projects
far more quickly and thus remain competitive. Alongside representatives from the OEMs, speakers from Tucker,
ArcelorMittal, AIT, KUKA and Fanuc Germany reported on technologies that car manufacturers could use to
overcome precisely these challenges.
As well as technological drivers and means, the consequences of progressing digitalisation were also
discussed. Due to advancements in artificial intelligence, the economy will present humanity with different
challenges in future. It is important not to ignore this issue, but to proactively seize the opportunity. “The
greatest challenge will be defining and adhering to ethical and moral boundaries, if in the future, we are capable
of making ourselves the second most intelligent species on the planet,” said Dr. Klaus Koglin during the podium
discussion, placing the focus on societal changes that digitalisation will bring. We can eagerly wait to see which
of the challenges and solutions of the future discussed will already be the present at the next automotive
conference in two years’ time.
Charactera: 3,412 incl. spaces
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Captions:
During the podium discussion, not only did the experts discuss
the challenges facing joining technologies, but also the influence
of digitalisation on society.
In his introductory presentation, futurologist Kai Gondlach
encouraged participants to view digitalisation not as the future,
but as the present, bringing continual change and opportunities.
Fronius Managing Director Elisabeth Engelbrechtsmüller-Strauß
highlights the importance of personal dialogues between
business partners.
The conference’s honorary chairman, Dr. Klaus Koglin, inspects
the body of a BMW 5 series.
Copyright to photos: Fronius International GmbH, reproduction free of charge
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Fronius International GmbH
Fronius International GmbH is an Austrian company with headquarters in Pettenbach and other sites in Wels,
Thalheim, Steinhaus and Sattledt. With 3,817 employees worldwide, the company is active in the fields of
welding technology, photovoltaics and battery charging technology. Around 89% of its products are exported
through 28 international Fronius subsidiaries and sales partners/representatives in over 60 countries. With its
innovative products and services and 1,242 granted patents, Fronius is the global innovation leader.
This press release, and the pictures, are available for download from:
http://www.fronius.com/cps/rde/xchg/SID-40A9FE85-09ECC174/fronius_international/hs.xsl/79_20055_ENG_HTML.htm
Contact details for publishing:
Fronius UK Ltd
+44 1908 512300
[email protected]
www.fronius.co.uk
For more information, please contact:
Fronius UK Ltd ; Miss Kim Wharton;
Maidstone Road, Kingston, Milton Keynes, MK10 0BD
Phone: +44 1908 512340
E-Mail: [email protected]
Please send a specimen copy to our agency:
a1kommunikation Schweizer GmbH, Kirsten Ludwig,
Oberdorfstraße 31 A, D – 70794 Filderstadt, Germany
Phone: +49 (0)711 9454161-20
E-Mail: [email protected]
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