Humanoid Robotics and the Future of Work

• Future role of humanoid robotics in logistics
• The impact of robotics on human-machine setups
• Skills needed for the new era: the importance of HR oversight, training, change management and AI upskilling

Sebastian Kummer started as Researcher and Lecturer at the WHU Otto Beisheim School of Management, Vallendar (1992 Dissertation (Phd), 1996 Habilitation). From 1996-2001 he had the Chair of business administration, esp. management of transport companies and logistics at the Dresden University of Technology.

Since 2001 he is the Head of the Institute of Transport and Logistics at Vienna University of Economics and Business (WU). He acts as President, Director and member of advisory boards of many scientific and industry associations. He has been a Co-Executive Director of the European section of the MIT Forum Supply Chain Innovation (2006-2011).

Sebastian Kummer has been a visiting professor at universities in Austria, China, Germany, Indonesia, Philippines, Switzerland, Russia, Ukraine and Vietnam. He has written more than 150 publications. His research focuses on Logistics Management, Supply Chain Management as well as on Transport Management and economical analyses of transport infrastructure and services. He works as a consultant and management trainer for companies and government bodies.

Schaeffler’s Award-Winning „Touchless Material Flow” Strategic Initiative – Winner of the 2026 VDA Logistics Award for its Fully Networked, Autonomous Intralogistics

• Launched in 2021 and implemented at several production sites worldwide with the aim to reduce manual intervention in intralogistics through automated and AI-supported solutions

• A key success factor is the comprehensive solutions portfolio, including autonomous vehicles, automated storage and transport systems, and, in the future, humanoid robots (currently in pilot phase) to create a scalable, digital backbone for global production
• A central database promotes all company-approved automation solutions via an internal platform– including technical data, supplier information, and practical examples – to enable knowledge transfer to other plants
• Touchless material flow – Trutnov plant strategy and implementation roadmap
• Showcase of key realized projects (e.g. automated box warehouse, packaging cleaning robot etc.)
• Lessons learned and x-plant synergy examples

During the presentation Carlos will introduce the strategy, process and solutions and Petr will demonstrate how he introduced and further implements innovative solutions out of a holistic road map at the Schaeffler Plant Trutnov (CZ).

Carlos Ramos is Head of Supply Chain Innovation and Technology at the Schaeffler Group based in Erlangen, Germany, managing the global solutions portfolio and technology releases for intralogistics across Schaeffler’s manufacturing and distribution network.

With 25 years of experience in automotive supply chain and logistics, he holds a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering and has led supply chain teams across plants in Mexico, the United States, Romania and Germany with focus on driving logistics efficiency, inventory optimization, customer satisfaction as well as successful implementation of greenfield plant projects.

His current function emphasizes automation and AI-driven intralogistics solutions to enable touchless material flows and seamless operations, with a favourable return of invest—an approach that earned Schaeffler the VDA Logistics Award in 2026.

Schaeffler’s Award-Winning „Touchless Material Flow” Strategic Initiative – Winner of the 2026 VDA Logistics Award for its Fully Networked, Autonomous Intralogistics

• Launched in 2021 and implemented at several production sites worldwide with the aim to reduce manual intervention in intralogistics through automated and AI-supported solutions

• A key success factor is the comprehensive solutions portfolio, including autonomous vehicles, automated storage and transport systems, and, in the future, humanoid robots (currently in pilot phase) to create a scalable, digital backbone for global production
• A central database promotes all company-approved automation solutions via an internal platform– including technical data, supplier information, and practical examples – to enable knowledge transfer to other plants
• Touchless material flow – Trutnov plant strategy and implementation roadmap
• Showcase of key realized projects (e.g. automated box warehouse, packaging cleaning robot etc.)
• Lessons learned and x-plant synergy examples

During the presentation Carlos will introduce the strategy, process and solutions and Petr will demonstrate how he introduced and further implements innovative solutions out of a holistic road map at the Schaeffler Plant Trutnov (CZ).

Petr is Head of Supply Chain Management at Schaeffler Motion Technologies, based in Trutnov, Czech Republic. With over 24 years of experience in the international automotive industry, he has built his expertise across logistics, HR, and manufacturing — giving him a uniquely broad perspective on operational efficiency and organizational performance.

In his current role, he leads multiple teams responsible for material procurement, production planning, customer relations, logistics cost controlling, freight management, and internal material flow. His recent focus has been on driving process automation, digitalization, and inventory optimization within supply chain and logistics operations.

“Look in the Mirror: Who Is Responsible for AI Implementation?”

AI in Future Logistics Operations – From Technology to Leadership

• AI-supported solutions in Mercedes-Benz aftersales logistics – practical examples from operations
• From fear to opportunity: How to bring employees along on the AI journey
• AI implementation is not an IT project – it is a leadership responsibility
• Look in the mirror: Who is responsible for making AI happen? You are.

Stefan Putzlocher has over 30 years of executive experience in the premium automotive industry in the areas of Production, Research & Development and Marketing & Sales. He started his career within the Mercedes-Benz Graduate Program and continued in several management positions with strong achievements in changing existing operations, e.g. creating successful structures for McLaren Automotive logistics. Also in the United Kingdom, at Mercedes AMG High-Performance Powertrains, which develops and produces the Formula 1 race car engines for Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team, he transformed purchasing and logistics into a powerful organisation.

Back in Germany, at that time the largest Mercedes-Benz Cars factory in Sindelfingen, he and his team successfully drove significant efficiency improvement programs in the area of production and logistics. Stefan also achieved strongly in building up teams, processes and structures for logistics operations from nil to a hundred, e.g. for the green field factory of Mercedes-Benz Manufacturing Hungary.

Here in Hungary, he initiated, implemented and steered the 100% outsourced operative logistics to three service providers with around 850 staff members - the first time in this scale within the Daimler AG.

In 2016 Stefan returned to Germany as the Head of Global Warehouse and Facility Planning, responsible for the global warehouse and facility planning within Marketing & Sales, Global Service and Parts (GSP), at Mercedes-Benz AG. Since February 2025 he holds is current position, responsible for the logistics centres in Hannover, Warsaw and Gothenburg.

Always an eye on the latest technology developments and an early adaptor and implementer of disruptive innovations, he was granted various patents in the field of logistics.

The New Reality of Supply Chains - Operating in an Era of Permanent Conflict

How Supply Chains Adapt, Survive and Evolve

• Uncertainty that is no longer a temporary challenge - it is our new operating environment.
• Building resilient supply chains now requires continuous monitoring of geopolitical developments.
• Potential conflicts such as China–Taiwan, Israel–Iran, and China–the Philippines can disrupt global trade routes and transform supply chains within days.
• The question is no longer if disruption will happen, but when it may happen and how we are prepared to it.
• How do we deliver ultra-fresh products when in country’s airports are closed?
• Alternative logistics corridors: using seaports in neighbouring countries to keep supply chains moving.
• Continuous monitoring of EU regulatory changes and rapid adaptation to new requirements.

Mariia Holubova is the Head of the import logistics department in Wine Bureau LLC, a Ukrainian company, and a direct importer of wine and strong spirits, accessories, and wholesome food from more than 55 countries, 10 own retail stores, 13 own horeca.

Building a Resilient Supply Chain in the New Reality - How IKEA Tackles Current Challenges

• Building a resilient and responsive goods flow movement end-to-end
• Improving the planning process and product availability
• Utilizing data & technology to make forecasts even more precise and the planning process more efficient

Claes is based with IKEA in Basel, Switzerland, is currently leading the global Category Area Logistics within IKEA Supply, bringing experience from previous roles at the Ingka Group, including country customer fulfilment manager, deputy area manager for Asia Pacific, and DC general manager.

Claes has more than 20 years of experience in senior management level in operations & project management, retail management, supply roles and board capacities in the US, Europe and Asia Pacific. He holds a BA in business management and an MBA in Marketing Management.

Leadership in Supply Chain Management  – How to Empower People and Drive Growth 

• Mentorship programs
• Development of people in none-management positions
• Development of people in new technologies
• Change Management
• Mindset of Gen Z

Lana Herceg Gojević is an experienced Supply Chain professional with over 20 years in leading Croatian companies. She holds a Master’s degree in Economics. Lana began her carrier in Konzum, Croatia’s top retail chain, holding different roles in Supply Chain, such as Operations Planning Manager, Supply Relationship Manager and Inventory Manager, participating in various business and IT projects with strong focus on inventory optimization, process optimization and team development. She continued her career at Atlantic Grupa, a major distribution and manufacturing Croatian company which is operating in Adriatic area, as Head of Purchasing and Inventory Management. Currently, she serves as Group Logistics Project Manager at Orbico Grupa, a distribution company active in 55 European countries, where she leads strategic supply chain projects at the group level, coordinating across multiple countries with a strong focus on change management, transformation and optimization.

From Systems to Unity, from Processes to Harmony – MOL Logistics Connects

• Harmonization of MOL Group's logistics processes

Ádám Baumgartner is the Head of Group-Level Digital Transformation & System Development at MOL Group. He started his career at MOL Group in 2011 and was working in several IT and logistics positions.

Ádám holds a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology from the University of Dunaújváros and is a passionate about leveraging technology and strategy to create impactful change. He is committed to continuous growth—refining leadership and interpersonal skills alongside technical expertise. Ádám is resilient and solution-oriented und recognises complexity not as a barrier but as an opportunity to innovate and deliver excellence.