With the motto, Sensorfusion – innovation in automotives and the factory of tomorrow, the second INNOposium, a Würth Elektronik and Texas Instruments forum for decision-makers in the electronics sector, took place in Stuttgart, Germany.
Before the industry experts took to the podium, Dr. Walter Döring, former Minister of Economic Affairs for the state of Baden-Württemberg, gave the opening speech titled, Germany, Austria, Switzerland – top global innovation leaders. He was followed by Dr. André Blum, Innovation Scouting & Project Management Progressive Semiconductor Program at AUDI AG, who talked about, Sensor Innovations in Automotives. He stressed the significance of radar sensors for driver assistance systems today, and in the future, and predicted that, by 2030, electronic components would account for 50 percent of the average production costs of an automobile. He also stressed the growing importance of sensor technology for autonomous production processes in automobile manufacturing.
Also, Dr. Hans Krattenmacher, head of Electronics Development at SEW-EURODRIVE GmbH & Co. KG, outlined the smart production processes at the company and described the impact of Industry 4.0 on everyday production. Digitization, progressive supply chain planning and lean manufacturing principles are all interlinked in drive production at SEW. Benedikt Rauscher, Team Leader R&D at Pepperl+Fuchs GmbH, also considered sensor technology and Industry 4.0.
The evening was rounded off with interesting talks and discussions between the assembled decision-makers. A special highlight was a Formula E racing car – next season’s model, in fact – that exemplifies the successful technology partnership between electronics manufacturer Würth Elektronik and the ABT Schaeffler Audi Sport racing team, which symbolizes the advanced innovation in e-mobility.