More than 150 participants gathered at IIC 2026 to discuss the future of digital factory and work planning, virtual commissioning and the use of artificial intelligence in production. Future-oriented topics such as Physical AI and the industrialisation of humanoid robotics The programme featured events in Germany and across Europe. Keynotes, live demonstrations, a dynamic exhibition and plenty of opportunity for personal discussion made the IIC two days packed with inspiration.
One step closer to the future
- AI and robotics are becoming a reality: The focus was not only on what is technologically possible, but also on how new solutions can be translated into industrial applications.
- Practical experience and exchange go hand in hand: Specialist presentations, use cases, a pitch session, an exhibition and discussions offered a variety of perspectives on the topics of the future.
- Implementation needs to be speeded up: One participant’s feedback (Christoph K.) summed it up perfectly: „We’re thinking along the right lines, but we need to pick up the pace.“
Two days packed with insights into the digital factory
On 6 and 7 October 2026, the IIC took place at the EY Headquarters took place at Stuttgart Airport. The venue provided a unique setting for discussions on the digital transformation of manufacturing – and an easily accessible platform for more than 150 experts from the worlds of industry and technology.
The topics ranged from digital factory and work planning and virtual commissioning to AI applications in the field of production. Particular emphasis was placed on humanoid robots and the question of how Physical AI and enable new automation solutions to be integrated into industrial environments in future.
„A great mix of talks, opportunities for discussion and exciting excursions. Just right.“
Discussions, encounters and an evening at Motorworld
Discussion on opportunities and next steps
The Panel discussion The event on humanoid robotics and AI provided an opportunity to bring together different perspectives and discuss future issues collectively. Many participants praised the discussion as engaging and insightful. This direct exchange is particularly valuable when it comes to technologies whose industrial application is still evolving: it helps to identify opportunities, unresolved issues and possible next steps to understand it better.
Even away from the stage programme, there was time for a chat. At the social dinner at Motorworld Böblingen, good food and Networking in a unique setting: during a guided tour, guests were able to explore the halls housing their exotic and rare supercars and classic cars.
The AI assistant for planners
In addition to automatic process generation, emaAI will soon feature an integrated AI assistant. This assistant answers questions in natural language, provides support based on ergonomic expertise and helps select suitable planning approaches. This significantly lowers the barrier to entry, particularly for new users.
Highly engaged participants – a fruitful exchange
Insights from the field: AI Innovation Hub and Technology Factory
Experience future technologies, gain an insight into production practices
Another highlight of the programme was the guided tour of the EY European Industrials AI Innovation Hub. There, participants gained further insights into new technologies and areas of application – including the Industrial Metaverse and Physical AI. The IIC website describes the hub as a venue featuring immersive demonstrations of industrial applications.
The excursion to Festo led to the Scharnhausen Technology Park. Specialist presentations and on-site insights complemented the conference programme, offering a further perspective on current developments in automation technology and their practical application.
Many industrial processes require the coordinated collaboration of several employees. With the new two-person handling system, such processes can be simulated and analysed realistically in future.
„There is a lot to do; the world is changing rapidly, partly due to AI"
A special moment for us: emaAI
For us at imk, too, the IIC 2026 was something quite special: as we do every year, we were able to present our major release – this time with a world premiere in store: emaAI. The AI extension can automatically convert existing process descriptions into simulation models within a 3D scenario, thereby significantly reducing the effort involved in process modelling. Find out more about emaAI and the major release 2.6.
A look at the IIC 2026
- Over 150 participants in discussions on current production issues
- Keynote speeches and specialist presentations on digital factory planning, AI and robotics
- Panel discussion on humanoid robotics and AI
- Exhibition area featuring use cases and live demonstrations, including humanoid robots
- Pitch Session offering concise insights into various ideas and applications
- Guided tours and excursions About the EY European Industrials AI Innovation Hub and Festo’s Technology Factory
- Networking at the conference, evening event and social dinner at Motorworld Böblingen
Conclusion: Not only fresh ideas, but also concrete insights for decision-makers
IIC 2026 highlighted just how broad the debate on the factory of the future has now become: Digital factory and work planning, virtual commissioning, AI and humanoid robotics are becoming increasingly intertwined. Presentations and discussions provided guidance, whilst live demonstrations, exhibitors and excursions focused attention on specific applications.
Feedback from participants highlighted the value of face-to-face exchanges and the varied formats. At the same time, the key task remains to translate new technological possibilities into concrete steps for one’s own production.
Would you like to experience digital factory and work planning for yourself? Discover the ema Software Suite with a free demo and see which solutions are best suited to your planning tasks. Watch a free demo now
Experience emaAI live now
When did the IIC 2026 take place?
The IIC 2026 took place on 6 and 7 October 2026.
Where was the IIC 2026 held?
The event took place at the EY headquarters at Stuttgart Airport. The programme also included an evening event at Motorworld Böblingen and a visit to Festo.
What were the key topics at the IIC?
The focus was on digital factory and work planning, virtual commissioning, AI in production, Physical AI and the industrialisation of humanoid robots in Germany and Europe.
What were the particular highlights of the IIC?
Highlights included the keynote speeches, the panel discussion on humanoid robotics and AI, the pitch session, the exhibition area with live demonstrations and humanoid robots, as well as the guided tours and excursions. The social dinner, which included a guided tour of Motorworld Böblingen, also provided an opportunity for personal interaction.
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