Robotics & Automation
The presentation aims to raise awareness of robotics and artificial intelligence, highlighting the potential of innovative automation technologies through the practical example of battery disassembly. It introduces various advanced technologies, illustrating how AI applications and robot-assisted systems can be effectively utilized in industrial disassembly processes. Additionally, the talk references an accompanying innovation exhibition, where practical demonstrations—including AI-based systems, assistance solutions for manual tasks, and robotic automation illustrated by an automated screwdriving station—can be experienced firsthand.
Speakers
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Vette-Steinkamp became Professor of Robotics and Control Engineering at Trier University of Applied Sciences, Environmental Campus Birkenfeld, in 2020. He is a member of the Birkenfeld Institutes of Technology and spokesperson for the profile area of materials and production technology for the energy transition.
As head of the research group for environmentally friendly production processes, he supports companies in implementing sustainable technologies. His research spectrum includes remanufacturing, circular economy, and the use of industry 4.0 technologies, robotics, and artificial intelligence in production. With his research group, he develops methods for the manufacturing, assembly, and disassembly of industrial products with the aim of minimizing resource consumption, energy demand, and CO₂ emissions and making optimal use of the principles of the circular economy.
He is leading several international and national research projects, including the Interreg projects Robot-Hub-Transfer and Robot-Hub-Academy, the BMBF competence center for labor economics and circular economy Komatra, as well as the European automotive cluster PAE Green+, which is dedicated to the decarbonization of the automotive value chain.
In addition to his scientific work, he regularly organizes the Symposium for Innovation and Automation in the Circular Economy.
Prof. Vette-Steinkamp is a founding member of the German Robotics Association, where he is responsible for the research coordination and continuing education working group.
In 2022, he co-founded ignite AI GmbH, where he heads the Campus Consulting group. In 2024, he co-founded the Institute for Sustainability Technology and Education with partners.