Dear members of the DECHEMA and DECHEMA/VDI committees,
On behalf of GeCatS, and the Sections Measurement and Sensor Technology, Chemical Reaction Engineering, Biotechnological Production Systems, and PEMT, we cordially invite you to the Innovation Day “Autonomous Systems in Lab and Production” on 08.12.2025 at DECHEMA Haus in Frankfurt am Main.
Autonomy is a top priority for all DECHEMA committees. It has already been successfully implemented in self-driving vehicles and autonomous laboratories. We see significant potential for its application in research, production, and technical chemistry, and look forward to exploring these opportunities together.
Join us for keynote speeches and interactive World Café discussions on topics including:
Alongside keynote speeches, you will engage in interactive discussions and explore practical examples from expert sessions. Together, we will develop ideas to promote the widespread adoption of autonomous systems and unlock new opportunities for value creation.
The meeting will take place exclusively in person and will be held in English. Participation is free of charge and open to members of DECHEMA and DECHEMA/VDI committees.
Do you have any questions or suggestions? Please get in touch!
Agenda
9:00: Registration and coffee
10:00: Welcome
10:10: Impulse lectures I
Fundamental questions regarding key technologies are addressed, which serve as key technologies (enablers) for the topic area of autonomy.
10:00: Formulation of work assignments and distribution to the workshops
11:15: Workshops I (See below for details)
A. Actuators and sensors
B. Workflows
C. Algorithms, Hardware and Data
12:15: Lunch
13:15: Impulse lectures II
Practical examples are used to determine the needs within the specialist communities and identifyspecific scientific questions. This approach demonstrates the various applications of autonomy and its role in creating value.
14:00: Formulation of work assignments and distribution to the workshops
14:15: Workshops II (See below for details)
D. Catalysis and Reaction Engineering
E. Functional Materials
F. Biotechnology
15:15: Coffee break
15:30: Presentation of the workshop results
16:30: Discussion on the next steps
16:45:Informal exchange
17:00: End
Workshops
Two rounds of workshops will be offered as part of the Innovation Day. Please register (non-binding) to facilitate planning.
Block 1 – Technological basis
The first topic block is dedicated to the technological basis of autonomous systems. Workshops A, B and C will analyse and discuss the current state of development and medium- and long-term goals in the field of autonomy. Building on this, existing needs in the relevant specialist communities and the scientific questions arising from them will be identified. Another focus is on the concept of ‘mutual learning & mutual use’ in order to tap into the potential for the transfer and joint use of approaches from other research and technology areas.
Workshop A. Actuators and Sensors
Workshop B. Workflows
Workshop C. Algorithms, Hardware and Data
Block 2: Application Perspectives for Autonomy
The second thematic block addresses the practical application of autonomous technologies. Workshops D, E, and F will analyze and evaluate approaches from national and international specialist communities regarding their transferability. Furthermore, established fields demonstrating the value-added use of autonomy will be examined, and potential new areas of application will be identified. The block will also emphasize innovative ideas and visionary concepts, such as 'New Horizons' and unconventional approaches, which may introduce new perspectives and directions for the development of autonomy technology.
Workshop D. Catalysis and Reaction Engineering
