Industry Manager E-Mobility Electrified Powertrain, TRUMPF SE + Co. KG
With over a decade of expertise in laser systems, Matthias brings unparalleled knowledge in laser welding processes, process development methodologies, and large-scale laser system integration for automotive production. His deep understanding of sensor and QA systems, laser equipment qualification, beam diagnostics, and closed-loop laser welding has made him a key player in the field. Currently an Industry Manager E-Mobility Electrified Powertrain at TRUMPF with global oversight, Matthias is at the forefront of pioneering laser applications for electric drive manufacturing. His prior experience includes developing laser material processing solutions at Mercedes-Benz Technology and conducting advanced R&D in laser welding at Daimler AG. Passionate about innovation and knowledge-sharing, Matthias is committed to driving the future of electrified powertrain manufacturing.
Professor of Information Systems, Technische Hochschule Augsburg
Prof. Dr. Arne Mayer is a Professor of Information Systems with a focus on Digital Business at the Technical University of Applied Sciences Augsburg. With over a decade of industry experience, including senior management roles at MAN Truck & Bus SE, Sky, and Senacor Technologies, he brings deep expertise in digital business, automotive, strategic IT management, and enterprise architectures. Arne has also taught at FOM University and is passionate about bridging academia and industry.
Senior Lead Design Engineer, FNSS Savunma Sistemleri A.s.
Mechanical engineer with 14+ years in the defense industry, specializing in power pack systems, hybrid cooling, and subsystem integration for military vehicles and missiles. Led design and verification across 18+ projects, from concept to delivery. Experienced in high-voltage systems, electric drivetrains, and thermal management. Proven leadership in cross-functional teams, engineering mentorship, and organizational improvement initiatives. ALFA Leadership School graduate with a strong background in systems engineering and project coordination. Formerly at Roketsan, involved in missile design and live-fire testing. Passionate about innovation, reliability, and delivering high-performance solutions in demanding operational environments.
Senior Lead Design Engineer, FNSS Savunma Sistemleri A.s.
Mechanical engineer with 14+ years in the defense industry, specializing in power pack systems, hybrid cooling, and subsystem integration for military vehicles and missiles. Led design and verification across 18+ projects, from concept to delivery. Experienced in high-voltage systems, electric drivetrains, and thermal management. Proven leadership in cross-functional teams, engineering mentorship, and organizational improvement initiatives. ALFA Leadership School graduate with a strong background in systems engineering and project coordination. Formerly at Roketsan, involved in missile design and live-fire testing. Passionate about innovation, reliability, and delivering high-performance solutions in demanding operational environments.
Applications and Advanced Engineering Director, Protean Electric
Dr. Richard Ford is a highly experienced and visionary technical leader with an outstanding academic background and extensive experience across all levels of product development. His technical depth enables him to understand every element of a project, and his flair for innovation often results in elegant and simple solutions.
He has led projects involving software, mechanical, thermal, hydraulic, electrical (both HV and LV), and electronics disciplines. His experience in customer-facing commercial environments gives him a comprehensive understanding of the full, end-to-end process.
Richard thrives in highly technical, cross-functional environments, which he leads in a naturally agile way, maintaining a strong focus on the overall goal while flexibly managing individual activities to deliver the best possible outcomes in the most efficient manner.
Technical Senior Manager – Advanced Powertrain, Toyota Motor Europe
Raf Schuermans graduated as a Mechanical Engineer in Belgium in 1987, and worked for 10 years as transmission engineer at Volvo passenger cars.
Since 1997, he has been in various positions in Powertrain R&D at Toyota Motor Europe, among others as Department Manager of Transmission Design for mass production projects, and since 2018 as Technical Senior Manager – Advanced Powertrain. In this role, he is in charge of advanced technology scouting and research of automotive powertrains, including traction motors. Focus areas on E-motors are electromagnetic performance, cooling, production processes, sustainability etc.
The Pop in Your Job: I enjoy sharing my experience of almost 40 years of powertrain engineering with the younger generations. What gives me energy is their relentless enthusiasm and commitment to advance E-motor technologies to more competitive levels.
The mission of TRUMPF is to further develop and digitally connect production technology, to make it even more efficient, precise, and future-proof. In doing so, we want to make manufacturing and its upstream and downstream processes more efficient. This is how we build the industrial world of tomorrow. We are one of the market and technology leaders in machine tools and lasers for industrial manufacturing and work with our innovations in almost every sector. Our software solutions pave the way to the Smart Factory, allowing us to implement high-tech processes in industrial electronics.
Technische Hochschule Augsburg
The Technical University of Applied Sciences Augsburg is one of the largest in Bavarian Swabia, with around 7,000 students, 180 professors, and over 300 tutors. Supported by 290 academic staff and state-of-the-art facilities, it offers a modern, innovative education in science, technology, and the arts. A culture of collaboration and mutual respect fosters academic excellence. Centrally located in Augsburg, the university serves as a key link between academia, industry, and society, making it an attractive center for research, education, and innovation in the heart of Bavaria.
FNSS Savunma Sistemleri A.s.
FNSS Savunma Sistemleri A.Ş., is a globally recognized company that specializes in designing and producing wheeled and tracked armoured combat vehicles as well as combat engineering vehicles, turrets and sustainability solutions. As the solution provider of choice of users in various countries, the Company has delivered so far more than 4000 armoured combat vehicles worldwide. Ever since the first roll-out in 1990, the Company has continuously improved its vehicle design and production capabilities. Building upon its 30-year heritage in the defence industry, FNSS continues to add value to its users by creating innovative solutions.
Protean Electric is a global automotive technology company dedicated to advancing sustainable transport through innovation. With a team of over 150 professionals across the United States, the United Kingdom, and China, the company is a recognized leader in in-wheel motor (IWM) technology. Protean Electric launched its flagship product, the ProteanDrive in-wheel motor, and has since become the world leader in this space. Holding over 160 patents and a strong track record of innovation, Protean Electric continues to shape the future of electric mobility with breakthrough solutions for next-generation vehicles.
Toyota Motor Europe (TME) oversees the sales and marketing of Toyota, GR (Gazoo Racing) and Lexus vehicles, as well as Toyota’s 8 European manufacturing plants and engineering operations. TME directly employs over 26,000 people and has invested over EUR 12 billion in Europe since 1990. In 2024, TME sold more than 1,2 million vehicles in Europe, with 7.1% market share, and with Toyota being the 2nd best-selling passenger car brand in Europe. TME aims to achieve 100% CO2 reduction in all new vehicles in Western Europe by 2035 and will continue to offer a full range of electrified powertrains to customers across the region with its hybrid, plug-in hybrid, battery and fuel cell electric vehicles. In the pursuit of "Mobility for All", Toyota aims to create safer, more connected, inclusive and sustainable mobility to achieve its mission of producing “Happiness for All”.
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