Xentara Connection Day 2026

Name: Xentara Connection Day 2026
Start: 2026-07-01T09:00:00+00:00
End: 2026-07-01T18:00:00+00:00
Location: Oberangertheater Munich

Event Recap · 1 July 2026 · Munich

Michael Schwarz on stage — Michael Schwarz, Co-Founder & CEO of Xentara, opens the day

Patrick Ruthardt on stage — Patrick Ruthardt (Roland Berger): “Physical AI Requires Software-Defined Manufacturing”

Andreas Geiss on stage — Andreas Geiss on staying competitive at China speed

Dr. Kristina Krebs on stage — Dr. Kristina Krebs (Prognostica): AI in optical hazelnut sorting

WAGO session — WAGO on Edge AI for industrial control

Alexander Fugmann on stage — Alexander Fugmann (WAGO) on secure edge AI

Michael Weber on stage — Michael Weber (ValueMiner): setting new standards for the industry

Technology outlook keynote — Technology trends and industry outlook: 2030 and beyond

Panel discussion with our keynote speakers

Panel Q and A — Q&A on stage, moderated by Anna Ahrens

Partners showcasing technology — Partners showcasing their technology

Welcome to Connection Day 2026 — Michael Schwarz welcomes Andreas Geiss as Chief AI Officer at Xentara

Networking conversations — Conversations between sessions

Attendees enjoying the day — Good vibes throughout the day

Bastian, Director Sales and Customer Success — Bastian, our Director Sales & Customer Success, in the mix

Social mixer — Winding down at the social mixer

The whole Xentara team thanks you for being part of the Connection Day event.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in Munich for a day of software-defined automation with industry leaders, live demonstrations, and visionary talks. Above you can find few highlights from the day or download the conference procceedings below.

Venue · Munich Oberangertheater · Oberanger 38 | 10:00 – 16:00+

Highlights of the Day

A full day of industry insight, hands-on tech, and open networking: here's how it went.

Format

Conference

+ open-end networking

Admission

Free of charge

Thanks to all attendees

Setting

Theatre stage

Tabletop exhibition · demos

Topics on stage

Robotics & Autonomous Systems

Industrial and collaborative robots, real-world deployments, and integration patterns.

Industrial & Physical AI

AI at the factory floor — edge intelligence, adaptive control, and physical decision-making.

Software-Defined Automation

Shifting from hardware-centric to software-driven architectures — benefits and practical implementation.

Technology Trends 2026+

Forward-looking perspectives on where automation is heading and what it means for your industry.

Voices of Industrial Automation

The leaders who shared their vision on industrial automation and AI – live in Munich.

Agenda · July 1, 2026

Oberangertheater Munich · detailed schedule

10:00 – 10:45

Welcome Reception with Bavarian "Brotzeit"

Registration & coffee

10:45 – 11:00

Welcoming Speech and Orientation

Michael SchwarzCo-Founder & CEO, embedded ocean

former Cisco, Booz Allen Hamilton

11:00 – 11:15

"Physical AI Requires Software-Defined Manufacturing"

Patrick Ruthardt Principal, Roland Berger

former Mercedes-Benz

11:15 – 11:30

"Three Waves, One Tsunami Hit All Industries - Insights on How to Remain Competitive with German Products at China Speed"

Andreas Geiss Senior Executive Advisor

former Hoechst, Siemens, Aleph Alpha

11:30 – 11:45

"What SDA Can Learn from SDVehicle"

Anna Ahrens Principal Market Research Analyst, Omdia

11:45 – 12:00

Customer Perspective: Practical Use Case

Armin GrozingerCEO, Benthor automation GmbH

12:00 – 12:40

Panel Discussion with Key Speakers

Q&A · All keynote speakers · Moderated by Anna Ahrens

12:40 – 13:40

Lunch Break (catered) with Tabletop Exhibition

Networking · Demos · Partner Tables

13:40 – 13:55

"Edge AI for Industrial Control: Combining Real-Time C++ Processing and Local Inference on WAGO Hardware"

Jürgen PfeiferPartner Management Sales Germany, WAGO

Alexander FugmannSystem Specialist AIoT, WAGO

13:55 – 14:10

“Embedding AI into Optical Sorting Machines: A Case Study in Hazelnut Quality Control”

Kristina Krebs Co-Founder, Prognostica GmbH

14:10 – 14:25

"Unlocking Scientific Computing for the Xentara Ecosystem with DashSet"

Dr. Johannes Riesterer Co-Founder & CTO, Studio Fluffy

14:25 – 14:40

"Xentara & ValueMiner: Setting New Standards for the Industry"

Michael WeberCTO, ValueMiner GmbH

14:40 – 14:55

"Over the TOPS: The Reality of Edge AI Performance and Benchmarking"

Umar AhmadAI/Robotics Tech. Specialist, Advantech BV Europe

14:55 – 15:15

"Technology Trends and Industry Outlook: 2030 and Beyond”

Michael SchwarzCo-Founder & CEO, embedded ocean

Robert SchachnerCo-Founder & CTO, embedded ocean

15:15 – 15:45

Coffee Break with Tabletop Exhibition

Networking · Demos · Partner Tables

15:45 – 16:00

Closing Remarks

16:00 – open end

Social Mixer

Drinks · Snacks · Conversations

This was the full programme on the day.

Partners Powering Connection Day

Thank you for joining us

Connection Day 2026 is a wrap. Huge thanks to our speakers, partners, and everyone who made the day.

See you at the next Xentara Connection Day

Questions? Write to us at connectionday@xentara.io