Keynotes

Listen to keynote speeches from renowned speakers from the field of fluid technology. A total of 80 general lectures from a wide range of topics within the industry await you.

Conference

Keynotes

  • Prof. Dr. Marcus Geimer
    Prof. Dr. Marcus Geimer Institute of Mobile Machines (KIT)
    Prof. Dr. Marcus Geimer

    10th march, 9:45 am - 10:30 pm

    Fluid Power Research Worldwide

    International professors report their research in Fluid Power Technology and compare the latest developments of Fluid Power from Asia, America and Europe.

    Focus Europe:
    Prof. Dr. Marcus Geimer (KIT)

    Prof. Dr. Marcus Geimer received the Diploma degree in mechanical engineering from the RWTH Aachen University, Germany, in 1990, and the Ph.D. degree from the Institute of Hydraulics and Pneumatics, today named the Institute for Fluid Power Drives and Systems, RWTH Aachen University. Since 2005, he has been a Full Professor and the Director of the Institute of Mobile Machines (Mobima), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Germany. 

  • Dr. Steffen Haack
    Dr. Steffen Haack Bosch Rexroth AG
    Dr. Steffen Haack

    10th march, 11:00 am - 11:45 am

    AI in Fluid Power Technology

    This presentation explores the significant potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within fluid power technology, starting from the current state of digitalization in hydraulics. It will showcase the opportunities for integrating AI into both  both the operational processes and innovative products of the fluid technology sector.

    The presentation begins by defining key terminology and providing a classification of the topic. It then describes the current status of digital transformation across products, processes, and business models, emphasizing the critical importance of data quality for reliable and unbiased AI implementation. Subsequently, it highlights the distinctions and relationships between conventional AI, Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Generative AI, and Large Language Models, while also discussing current obstacles. The crucial interplay between human factors and AI adoption will be examined, including examples of how to foster effective collaboration and build trust, as user conviction is essential for widespread success.

    Before delving into specific applications, a more detailed overview of the current AI landscape will be provided, including the necessary hardware infrastructure and the software requirements which must be met in order to use AI effectively.

    The following presentation is divided into two main sections:

    1. "Use AI": This section focuses on process improvements, presenting the fundamental principles of using this technology and showcasing specific use cases in engineering and design, as well as for enhancing corporate training and knowledge management.
    2. "Build AI": This section presents several product-related use cases at the component and system level, which are already developed as a prototype or even in use, highlighting the creation of smart, self-monitoring components.
  • Univ.-Prof. Dr.-Ing. Katharina Schmitz 
    Univ.-Prof. Dr.-Ing. Katharina Schmitz  Institute of Fluid Power Drives and Systems
    Univ.-Prof. Dr.-Ing. Katharina Schmitz 

    10th march, 11:45 am - 12:30 pm

    Digital Twins and AI in Fluid Power: Improving Systems by Connecting Real and Virtual Worlds

    Fluid power is a widely used drive technology known for its durability, robustness, and cost efficiency, but it faces challenges related to energy efficiency and environmental impact. To address these challenges, the integration of software functions and digital frameworks is gaining importance for improving component performance, system integration, and product development. The integration of data and software within fluid power systems and components enables companies to increase their innovation potential, thereby establishing digital competence as a key determinant of competitive advantage. Consequently, fluid power is evolving into an interdisciplinary research field that combines mechanics, electronics, computer science, and data analytics. Current research focuses on the usage of digital twins across all phases of the product life cycle. As a result, numerous related concepts have emerged, such as digital frameworks and software functionalities that support component and system development while providing additional insights during operation, for example, through soft sensors that derive new variables from existing sensor data.

    Prof. Schmitz examines in her presentation the current state of digital twin development in fluid power through selected examples and identifies the key elements that enable interaction between the physical and virtual domains. She will show research examples that already provide solutions addressing individual aspects of digital twins along the product life cycle and will give an outlook what needs to done for a fully integrated approach connecting the different aspects to fully leverage the potential of digital twins.

  • Prof. Dr. Andrea Vacca
    Prof. Dr. Andrea Vacca Maha Fluid Power Research Center (Purdue)
    Prof. Dr. Andrea Vacca

    10th march, 9:45 am - 10:30 pm

    Fluid Power Research Worldwide

    International professors report their research in Fluid Power Technology and compare the latest developments of Fluid Power from Asia, America and Europe.

    Focus America:
    Prof. Dr. Andrea Vacca (Purdue)

    Prof. Dr. Andrea Vacca is the director of the Maha Fluid Power Research Centre, the largest academic centre dedicated to fluid power and motion control research in the U.S. His research focuses on components and systems design to promote electrification, low noise emissions, high productivity, and concepts and techniques for condition monitoring. Andrea Vacca is the editor in chief for the International Journal of Fluid Power, a fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, and a director of the Global Fluid Power Society. In 2019, he also received the J. Bramah medal from the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. In 2025, he was inducted into the Fluid Power Hall of Fame by the International Fluid PowerSociety.

  • Prof. Dr. Huayong Yang
    Prof. Dr. Huayong Yang School of Mechanical Engineering (ZJU)
    Prof. Dr. Huayong Yang

    10th march, 9:45 am - 10:30 pm

    Fluid Power Research Worldwide

    International professors report their research in Fluid Power Technology and compare the latest developments of Fluid Power from Asia, America and Europe.

    Focus Asia:
    Prof. Dr. Huayong Yang (ZJU)

    Prof. Dr. Huayong Yang received the Ph.D. degree in fluid power transmission and control from the University of Bath, Bath, U.K., in 1988. He is an Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering. His current research interests include motion control and energy saving of mechatronic systems, microfluidic devices and systems, and R&D of fluid power components.