Register now: Digitalisation - Smarter automation
This livestream will provide a reality check on smart factory tech - what’s truly delivering on the shopfloor and where automation is finally paying off.
Register below
The hype around smart factories is fading, and reality is setting in. Automotive manufacturers have spent billions on digital transformation, but the real question now is: what is really working on the shopfloor?
This livestream cuts through the noise to examine how leading OEMs and suppliers are deploying automation that genuinely delivers – systems that enhance human capability rather than gather dust. We will explore the intelligent technologies reshaping production lines today, from AI-driven quality control to digital twins that predict problems before they happen.
Digitalisation in automotive manufacturing is no longer about bold visions or pilot projects. It’s about making smarter automation decisions that actually deliver. As cost pressures intensify and EV and hybrid production scales up, manufacturers are being forced to rethink how, where and why they automate.
This livestream will explore how leading OEMs and suppliers are turning data, AI and flexible production strategies into practical advantage. Drawing on the latest insights across the industry, we’ll examine what smarter automation really means in today’s plants and where its limits lie.
As cost pressures intensify and EV and hybrid production scales, manufacturers can no longer rely on legacy automation strategies designed for high-volume ICE programmes. Vehicle mix is rising, assembly lines are becoming more complex, and flexibility now matters as much as throughput. Automation strategies that worked in high-volume ICE production don’t always translate directly to EV platforms or mixed-model environments.
Recent analysis shows that while AI, digital twins and advanced robotics promise scale, the real constraint is not always technology. It’s complexity.
This session will cut through the noise. It will look at where automation truly scales, where it doesn’t, and how digital tools can unlock smarter, more resilient production systems.
Top three key areas of interest:
Redefining the limits of automation - How far vehicle assembly automation can realistically go, and where human-machine collaboration creates better results.
From linear lines to flexible ecosystems - Why assembly systems are evolving beyond the traditional line, and how digitalisation enables mixed-model, EV-ready production.
AI and data that deliver measurable impact - Practical examples of edge computing, digital twins and AI on the shopfloor, and how to turn insight into productivity gains.
Join us to understand what smarter automation looks like in practice and how to apply it in your own operations.
Speakers
Andreas Kühne
Program Manager for Artificial Intelligence in Production and Logistics
Audi
In his role, Andreas works closely with various specialist departments to develop a shared vision for the use of AI across Audi’s production sites, identifying relevant use cases and implementing them to make processes more efficient and future ready. He also serves—together with his colleague Sebastian Reinisch—as a key liaison to the Innovation Park Artificial Intelligence (IPAI) in Heilbronn, where Audi has been actively involved as a partner from the very beginning.
A.J. Camber
VP, Head of Software Business Group
Solidigm
A.J. currently serves as the Vice President and Head of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Software Business Group. His previous role at Solidigm most recently included the Head of the Strategy Office. Today his group is focused on AI-related innovation growth. A.J. brings 20+ years of experience and leadership in strategy, roadmap, and innovation for customers to his current role.
A.J. joined Intel in 1997 working on the industry's first low voltage Multi-Level Cell Flash for Mobile, and significantly contributed to growth of new business. In 2008, A.J. led the roadmap integration team for the consolidation of the Intel NOR Flash and Phase Change Memory assets with STMicroelectronics into the new company, Numonyx. After Micron acquired Numonyx, A.J. held multiple leadership roles at Micron related to enterprise solid state drives.
Mike Wilson
Chief Automation Officer
Manufacturing Technology Centre
Mike Wilson is recognised as a leading authority on the application of robot systems in the UK. Mike is Chief Automation Officer at the Manufacturing Technology Centre, Visiting Professor of Robotics & Automation at Loughborough University, Chair of the UK Automation Forum and General Assembly member of the International Federation of Robotics. He was awarded ‘The Manufacturer Top 100’ status as one of the top 100 people in UK manufacturing in 2018. His book “Implementation of Robot Systems” was published in 2014.
Moderator
Ilkhan Ozsevim
Deputy Editor
AMS
Ilkhan Ozsevim is a seasoned editor and journalist with a passion for uncovering the latest trends and innovations in the automotive industry.
With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, Ilkhan has established himself as a trusted voice in the automotive world, specialising in engaging thought leaders and writing insightful features on topics ranging from EVs and smart factories through to automotive logistics and supply chain management.
Nick Holt
Editor
AMS
Timo Gilgen
International Editor
AMS
Since 2022, Timo Gilgen has been part of the editorial teams of automotiveIT and Automobil Produktion. His work focuses on providing in‑depth insights into automotive factories around the world and reporting on their constant transformation. Whether developing broad, strategic overviews or explaining the most detailed methods of lean management, he approaches every topic with analytical depth and a critical perspective. In addition, since 2026 he has also served as an International Editor for ams, covering global industry developments with a particular focus on cross-market trends and manufacturing innovations.
Sponsor
Solidigm, a pioneer in enterprise data storage, leverages decades of product leadership and technical innovation, collaborating with customers to transform their business and propel them into the data-centric future. Our legacy of industry leadership is helping enable AI and more with our robust end-to-end product portfolio for core data centers to the edge. Headquartered in Rancho Cordova, California, Solidigm operates globally as a standalone subsidiary of SK hynix Inc. Discover how we're advancing the industry at solidigm.com.
