Speakers

David Reger

CEO NEURA Robotics

David Reger’s career began in Switzerland as the founder and manager of high-tech companies in the automation and robotics industry. During this time, the young entrepreneur gained two profound insights: First, respect for existing technological achievements should never be an excuse to shy away from attempting the seemingly impossible. Second, only a completely new approach to robotics can overcome technological barriers to make robots a natural companion in a modern, social society.

With the mindset of an experienced yet grounded doer, David Reger founded NEURA Robotics GmbH in 2019 and, in record time, brought the first series-ready cognitive robots to market. These were based on a technological platform that combines artificial intelligence with groundbreaking sensor and hardware design, effectively transforming robots into smartphones with arms and legs.

Reger has been appointed to key thought-leadership and advisory positions, including membership in the Senate of the German Economy and the European Senate for Economy and Technology.

Dr. Sylvain Calinon

Senior Researcher at Idiap Research Institute

Dr Sylvain Calinon is a Senior Research Scientist at the Idiap Research Institute and a Lecturer at the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL). He heads the Robot Learning & Interaction group at Idiap, with expertise in human-robot collaboration, robot learning from demonstration, geometric representations and optimal control. The approaches developed in his group can be applied to a wide range of applications requiring manipulation skills, with robots that are either close to us (assistive and industrial robots), parts of us (prosthetics and exoskeletons), or far away from us (shared control and teleoperation). Website: https://calinon.ch

Prof. Dr. Auke J. Ijspeert

Professor at Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne

Auke Ijspeert is a professor at EPFL (the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, Switzerland), IEEE Fellow, and head of the Biorobotics Laboratory (https://www.epfl.ch/labs/biorob). He has a B.Sc./M.Sc. in physics from the EPFL (1995), and a PhD in artificial intelligence from the University of Edinburgh (1999).

His research interests are at the intersection between robotics and computational neuroscience. He is interested in using numerical simulations and robots to gain a better understanding of animal locomotion and movement control, and in using inspiration from biology to design novel types of robots and locomotion controllers (see for instance Ijspeert et al, Science, Vol. 315, 2007 and Ijspeert, Science Vol. 346, 2014). He is also interested in assisting persons with limited mobility using exoskeletons and assistive furniture. With his colleagues, he has received paper awards at ICRA2002, CLAWAR2005, IEEE Humanoids 2007, IEEE ROMAN 2014, CLAWAR 2015, SAB 2018, CLAWAR 2019, and ICRA2024.

He is associate editor for the IEEE Transactions on Medical Robotics and Bionics. He is also a member of the Board of Reviewing Editors of Science magazine.

Prof. Dr. David Romero

Professor at Tecnológico de Monterrey University

Prof. Dr. David Romero is a Professor of Advanced Manufacturing at the Departments of Industrial Engineering and Mechatronics of the Tecnológico de Monterrey University in Mexico and the Scientific Vice-chairman for the World Manufacturing Foundation. His research interests include: Circular Manufacturing, Service Engineering and Product-Service Systems, Cyber-Physical Systems and Human Systems, Advanced Production Management Systems, Green Virtual Enterprises, and Technology and Engineering Management in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

He is a member of the Society of Collaborative Networks, the IFAC TC5.3 on Enterprise Integration and Networking, the IFIP WG5.7 on Advances in Production Management Systems, the IFIP WG5.12 on Architectures for Enterprise Integration, the IEEE Technology and Engineering Management Society, and the IEEE Internet of Things Community. Furthermore, he is an Agenda Contributor at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Council on “Shaping the Future of Advanced Manufacturing and Value Chains”, and a World Manufacturing Forum (WMF) Ambassador. He has published more than 200 journal and international conference articles. He serves on different technical and scientific committees and advisory boards in academia, industry, and government in the disciplines of business and industrial engineering. Nowadays, he is focused on promoting the concepts of the “Operator 4.0/5.0” and “Digital Lean Manufacturing”; the father of both terms.

Dr.-Ing. Dominic Gorecky

President of the Board of Directors & Co-Founder, Swiss Cobotics Competence Center (S3C) |
Head of Swiss Smart Factory & Swiss Health Tech Center, Partner, Executive Board Member |
Digital Shaper 2022

Dominic Gorecky is a partner and executive board member at Switzerland Innovation Park Biel/Bienne AG. He co-founded and leads the Swiss Smart Factory, Switzerland’s first and foremost test and demonstration platform for Industry 4.0.

He also founded the International Smart Factory Academy (IFSA) and co-founded the Swiss Cobotics Competence Center (S3C), where he serves as President of the Board. S3C is a national hub for industrial and academic partners to collaboratively develop and test next-generation robotic solutions.

Previously, Dominic was the head of research for the Innovative Factory Systems department at the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI) in Kaiserslautern, Germany. In this role, he coordinated R&D for the living lab SmartFactoryKL.

Dominic contributes to the World Economic Forum (WEF) agenda and advises several Industry 4.0 start-ups. He co-founded the Swiss CxO Forum and chairs the International Smart Factory Summit.

In 2022, he was recognized as a Digital Shaper in Switzerland.

Dominic is passionate about driving responsible digital transformation for a sustainable society. He teaches various technology topics, including digital twins, cobotics, and IIoT in manufacturing. His PhD focused on the use of semantic technologies in the context of the digital factory.

Dr. Hakan Girgin

Innovation Manager at S3C | Robotics Researcher

Dr. Hakan Girgin is the Innovation Manager at the Swiss Cobotics Competence Center (S3C) in Biel, Switzerland. With a Ph.D. in robotics from EPFL, his expertise lies in human-robot collaboration, robot learning, and learning from demonstration. Dr. Girgin is dedicated to bridging the gap between research and industry through technology transfer, focusing on adapting cutting-edge robotic solutions for industrial use. His work includes developing and advancing collaborative base cells (CBCs) to improve their technology readiness levels (TRL). He leads a team committed to delivering innovative cobotic solutions while enhancing robot skills’ adaptability and generalization to task variations. Dr. Girgin has contributed to multiple EU-Horizon 2020 projects and is actively involved in providing training and consultancy services to support the future of automation and Industry 4.0.

David Weder

CEO at S3C

David Weder, CEO of the Swiss Cobotics Competence Center, brings extensive industry experience in advanced engineering, automation, and robotics. Passionate about revolutionizing human-machine interaction, David is deeply engaged in the transformative potential of collaborative robotics.

With an EMBA in General Management, he has held pivotal roles, including his position on the executive board at the SME W. Steinegger AG, and has worked with several leading industrial companies in machining and automation. David’s career spans strategic development, complex project leadership, and innovative engineering solutions, establishing him as a notable voice in technical transformation and the future of industry.

Known for his collaborative, team-centered approach, David combines technical depth with practical insights, offering strategies in effective leadership, agile project management, and the synergy between technology and human capability. His expertise appeals to professionals seeking advancement in engineering, project management, and organizational growth within a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Prof. Dr. Sarah Dégallier Rochat

BFH Head Humane Digital Transformation | Industry 4.0 Humanist

Sarah Dégallier Rochat is the Head of the strategic thematic field « Humane Digital Transformation” at the Bern University of Applied Sciences (BFH). She is a researcher at the Institute for Human-Centered Engineering (HuCE) and the co-leader of the Computer Vision and Virtual Reality Lab (cpvrLab). She holds a BSc and MSc in Mathematics and a PhD in Robotics from EPFL. She received the “Industry 4.0 Shapers” Award in 2019.

As the Head of Humane Digital Transformation, her goal is to foster a development of digital technologies that is centered on the human needs and that aims at creating an inclusive and equitable future. Her personal research focuses on the participative development of inclusive human-machine interfaces and on the upskilling of the workforce in production settings. With her spin-off AutoMate Robotics, she is developing flexible robotic cells that can be easily reprogrammed by non-experts for industrial applications.

Katrin J. Yuan

Boardmember | CEO Swiss Future Institute | Chair AI Future Council

Katrin J. Yuan is an award-winning executive with a background in technology and transformation. With a Master of Business Administration and studies in IT and finance, Katrin is fluent in six languages. She is a Board Member, Chair of the AI Future Council, lectures at four universities, and serves as a Jury Member for the ETH. Katrin is an influential executive networker, investor and speaker. Her expertise extends to AI tech future and Boards, enforcing AI and a diverse data-driven approach.

Dr. Milan Kumar

CIO, ZF Commercial Vehicles (CVS) | TEDx Speaker | Global CIO & CDO Awards Winner | CIO Series Author | Forbes Tech Council

A highly accomplished Global Chief Digital and Information Officer (CIO/CDO), Dr. Milan Kumar brings extensive expertise in IT, processes, digital transformation, and AI/data monetization. He is a renowned TEDx speaker, educator, international author of the CIO Series, and mentor to startups. Currently, he serves as the Chief Information Officer at ZF Commercial Vehicles (CVS) in Switzerland.

With a proven track record in driving innovation and exceeding business objectives, Dr. Kumar has led transformation initiatives across diverse, high-growth environments, including start-ups, turnarounds, and rapid-change scenarios. His extensive experience spans managing distributed development and operations teams globally, overseeing P&Ls, and driving revenue growth for Fortune 500 companies.

He has a demonstrated ability to establish high-performance global cultures, with a focus on strategic customer and partner engagement. This leadership has driven sustainable, profitable growth, fueled by innovation and a forward-thinking, data-driven approach to technology and business transformation.

Dr. Anca-Georgiana Rusu

Program Manager at Innovation Booster Robotics, Community Manager at EPFL Robotics | Executive Director of the Swiss Robotics Association

Dr. Anca-Georgiana Rusu is the Program Manager at Innovation Booster Robotics, Community Manager at EPFL Robotics, and Executive Director of the Swiss Robotics. As the EPFL focal point for robotics, Anca Rusu leads efforts to build a robust Swiss Robotics Community through initiatives like the Innovation Booster on Robotics and the creation of a Swiss Robotics Association. In this role, she coordinates EPFL Robotics Laboratory visits, promotes research to international media and scientific channels, and supports outreach events. Additionally, Anca oversees the Innovation Booster Robotics program, leading fundraising efforts, developing program strategies, and organizing key robotics events in Switzerland. Furthermore, she provides support for EPFL robotics education initiatives, ensuring equal opportunities and promoting the robotics master and doctoral programs through various communication channels.

With over six years of experience as a project manager at EPFL’s International Risk Governance Center, Anca has led interdisciplinary research endeavors focusing on the risk governance of emerging technologies. Anca holds a Master’s degree in Social Sciences, specializing in communication and culture, from the University of Lausanne. Dr. Rusu also holds a PhD from Paris Dauphine University, where her research centered on the role of organizational communication in emerging technologies, specifically in the realm of artificial intelligence.

Zakia Zeroual

Board Member at Swiss Engineering, AI and robotics specialist

Zakia is a deep-tech enthusiast with a passion for blending systems thinking and intelligent systems to drive transformative solutions. With a career spanning technology transfer, commercialization, and product development, she excels at fostering cross-cultural collaboration to tackle global challenges. Currently, Zakia advises young talents on unlocking business opportunities through the strategic application of AI for social good worldwide.

A graduate of TU Ilmenau with a specialization in Intelligent Systems and Automation, and holding an EMBA in digitalization and strategic management, Zakia bridges cutting edge technical innovation with economic foresight. Her work is fueled by a deep commitment to mentoring, exploring technological advancements, and harnessing creativity to enhance humanity’s legacy. Thriving at the intersection of curiosity, culture, and impact, Zakia embodies a future-oriented mindset that inspires purpose-driven progress on a global scale.

Lukas Ziegler

Robotics & Al Advocate with Global Influence

Lukas is the founder of a leading media house dedicated to robotics companies, ranging from innovative startups to industry giants like ABB and NVIDIA. As an expert in the field, Lukas is also a lecturer at the Business School of Warsaw University of Technology, where he imparts his knowledge of Industry 4.0 to MBA students.

With years of experience in the deep-tech startup ecosystem, Lukas serves as a Venture Partner at ffVC, where he plays an instrumental role in supporting emerging startups in the robotics market. His passion for advancing the robotics industry is further demonstrated through his creation of a vibrant community of over 250,000 enthusiasts, with a strong following in both Europe and the United States.

Lukas’s content reaches more than 100 million people annually, empowering and educating a global audience on the transformative potential of robotics and technology.

Chaoyi Li

Head of Globalization at Booster Robotics

Chaoyi Li, Head of Globalization at Booster Robotics, is committed to bringing affordable, reliable, and useful humanoid robots to global markets. Chaoyi has over 10 years of experience in the ToB sector. Prior to joining Booster Robotics, he held leadership roles at ByteDance, managing complex ToB products, and also has a background in consulting and investment. With his extensive experience, Chaoyi aims to integrate technology and service to provide the best solutions for clients.

Prof. Dr. Emre Ugur

Associate Professor at Bogazici University

Emre Uğur is an Associate Professor in the Dept. of Computer Engineering at Bogazici University and the head of the Cognition, Learning, and Robotics (CoLoRs) lab. He received his PhD degree in Computer Engineering from Middle East Technical University (METU, Turkey). He worked as a research scientist at ATR, Japan (2009-2013); visited Osaka University as a specially appointed Assist.&Assoc. Professor (2015&2016); and worked as a senior researcher at the University of Innsbruck (2013-2016). He has been the principal investigator of INVERSE and IMAGINE projects supported by the European Commission, Horizon 2020 Programme; EXO-AI-FLEX, DeepSym and DeepPlan projects supported by TUBITAK. He has been awarded The Young Scientist Award by the Science Academy (BAGEP) and The Excellence in Teaching Award by the Faculty of Engineering. He is interested in robotics, robot learning, and cognitive robotics.

Dr. Xavier Comtesse

Innovation Strategist, Futurist, and Thought Leader *Digital Transformation*

Dr. Xavier Comtesse is a prominent figure in the fields of digital transformation. With a background in computer science and extensive experience in research and development, he has made significant contributions to both academia and industry.

Dr. Comtesse holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science and has worked with various organizations, focusing on the integration of advanced technologies into practical applications. He is known for his interdisciplinary approach, bridging technical expertise with strategic insights to address complex challenges in digital technology.

Throughout his career, Dr. Comtesse has been involved in numerous research projects and initiatives aimed at fostering innovation, particularly in the realms of AI and machine learning. He is also emphasizing the importance of governance and accountability in the deployment of AI systems.

As a thought leader, Dr. Comtesse is a frequent speaker at international conferences and is actively engaged in mentoring the next generation of technologists and researchers. His work continues to influence the evolving landscape of thechnology and its applications across various sectors.

Kartik Sachdev

Solutions Architect – Robotics & AI at NVIDIA

Kartik Sachdev is a Solutions Architect at NVIDIA, specializing in Robotics and AI, based in Munich. He is leading customer engagements in the EMEA region across a diverse range of autonomous machines and robots, leveraging his expertise in technologies such as Humanoid Robotics, Computer Vision, Robot Learning, and Foundation Models.

As an expert in NVIDIA’s platforms, including Isaac Sim, Isaac Lab, and Omniverse, Kartik delivers innovative solutions that drive business value for the customers. With a proven track record of working in multiple geographies, including India, Germany, and Japan, he brings a unique blend of cultural and technical expertise to his role, enabling him to effectively collaborate with clients and deliver tailored solutions that meet their needs.

Tobias Rainer Schäfle

Business Segment Manager Automated Intralogistics and Manufacturing Systems at Fraunhofer IPA

Tobias Rainer Schäfle, Ph.D., Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation (IPA), is a passionate engineer who is enthusiastic about robotics and innovative technologies. His academic career includes a Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) in mechanical engineering and a Master of Science (M.Sc.) in technical cybernetics. In 2021, he completed his doctorate in engineering at Toyohashi University of Technology in Japan. Until the end of June 2024, he worked as an expert in industrial service robotics in the robotics department of Fraunhofer IPA in Stuttgart. Since July 2024, he has been business segment manager for automated intralogistics and manufacturing systems at Fraunhofer IPA.

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