World of Work 4.0 thematic platform
Innovative work environments are a key driver of competitiveness for companies and economies. They enable higher productivity and boost innovation. The interplay of the three dimensions—technology, organization, and people—is crucial in this regard.
The eighth network conference of the “Working World 4.0” thematic platform, taking place on October 29, 2026, in Munich’s Werksviertel, will bring you up to speed on the latest developments and provide you with a wide range of ideas and new perspectives on shaping a competitive working world. We cordially invite you to be part of this exciting conference. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from leading experts, discuss promising concepts for innovative work environments with them, and network.
Related exhibition: Adaptive Human-Robot Interaction with Neuromorphic AI
In line with the conference, fortiss is presenting current research and technological developments for the workplace of the future. A demonstrator shows how modern AI systems enable intuitive collaboration between humans and robots. Using event-driven cameras and neuromorphic AI, gestures are recognized in real time and directly translated into robotic actions. Machine learning algorithms enable the system to learn new gestures even while in operation and to adapt flexibly to different users. This provides a practical glimpse into the next generation of intelligent assistance and robotic systems for industrial applications.
The event at a glance
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Time Topic 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Check-in and a visit to the exhibition 3:00 p.m. – 3:05 p.m. Welcome and Introduction to the Event Program
Speaker: Christoph Raithel, Advisor to the Executive Board, Bayern Innovativ GmbH, Nuremberg3:05 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. Greeting
Speaker: Ulrike Scharf, Staatsministerin, Bavarian State Minister for Family, Labour and Social Affairs3:15 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Keynote Speech
Speaker: Professor Dr. Isabell M. Welpe, Holder of the Chair in Strategy and Organization at the Technical University of Munich, School of Management, and Scientific Director of the Bavarian State Institute for Higher Education Research and Planning (IHF)3:30 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. Panel Discussion
Panel Participants:
Professor Dr. Isabell M. Welpe, Holder of the Chair in Strategy and Organization at the Technical University of Munich, School of Management, and Scientific Director of the Bavarian State Institute for Higher Education Research and Planning (IHF)
Dr. Markus Ernst, Head of Innovation Management and DATEV Lab, Innovation Hub - R&D, DATEV eG
Thomas Zeller, Managing Director, UnternehmerTUM GmbH4:15 p.m. – 4:25 p.m. Exhibitor Pitches & Presentation of Exhibits 4:25 p.m. – 4:55 p.m. Break and invitation to network in the exhibition 4:55 p.m. – 5:25 p.m. Keynote Presentations / Best Practice Pitches
Keynote Presentation: Innovative Work Environments 1: Technology as a Competitive Advantage
Keynote Presentation: Innovative Work Environments 2: Organization as a Competitive Factor
Keynote Presentation: Innovative Work Environments 3: People as a Competitive Advantage5:25 p.m. – 6:10 p.m. Discussion of the keynote presentations using the fishbowl method 6:10 p.m. – 6:15 p.m. Summary of the Conference Day
Speakers:
Dr. Thomas Helfer, Innovation network Production, Head of Working World 4.0, Bayern Innovativ GmbH, Augsburg
Christoph Raithel, Advisor to the Executive Board, Bayern Innovativ GmbH, Nurembergstarting at 6:15 p.m. Dinner, networking, and a tour of the exhibition
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- Venue
Design Offices Munich Atlas
Rosenheimer Strasse 143C
81671 Munich
- Directions
The Ostbahnhof S-Bahn station is located approximately 500 meters from the venue.
The Anzinger Straße bus stop is accessible via buses 55, 145, and 155 and is located approximately 200 meters from the venue.
- Parking
Public parking is available at the Autospeicher parking garage (WERK3, Atelierstraße 8)
- Venue
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The event is presented by Bayern Innovativ
Event partner:
Bayerisches Staatsministerium für Familie, Arbeit und Soziales



