5th Executive Summit 2025

Organized by: Leading Insights

Fraunhofer invites you to join the leading industry event for innovation, transformation & collaboration.

Sponsored by Fraunhofer USA Inc.

The automotive world is changing – faster and more profoundly than ever before. New drive systems, disrupted supply chains, and a growing skills gap are just the beginning. The real shift is happening at the core: in how vehicles are designed, manufactured, and assembled

A groundbreaking trend is emerging:
Fewer parts. Bigger structures. Smarter production.This transformation is revolutionizing body construction – reducing components by up to 70%, changing material requirements, and demanding new technologies. For many companies, especially SMEs, the impact is real. The opportunity - even bigger.

At this exclusive industry event, you’ll gain the insights and tools you need to succeed in tomorrow’s car body production landscape:

  • Learn from leading experts about the latest materials, methods, and machinery
  • Discover how AI and automation are redefining manufacturing standards
  • Get inspired by real-world success stories and breakthrough innovations
  • Connect with top decision-makers, engineers, and suppliers
  • Stay ahead in a time of disruption – and turn change into competitive advantage

This event is more than a conference—supported by Fraunhofer’s leadership in applied research and innovation, it’s a gateway to the future of automotive manufacturing. 

Join us for 2 days of seminars and 1 day of company visits.  Preliminary Agenda Coming Soon!

Companies already signed up:

  • Fraunhofer IZFP, Fraunhofer IWU, Fraunhofer USA Inc.
  • University of Waterloo 
  • GM, ArcelorMittal Dofasco G.P., AutoForm Engineering USA Inc., Engineering Quality Solutions, BUTZEL Consulting,  Plante Moran, ANDRITZ Schuler,  Saint-Gobain Performance Ceramics & Refractories, Telos Global, Gestamp, MAGNA, HFQ Technology Associates, Trumpf, Rhino Industrial Laser Solutions, Fronius USA LLC, Azolgas, NSM Magnettechnik GmbH, Selmatec, Meprotec GmbH
Agenda (preliminary) Overview
 

Day 1 

9a.m.- 5p.m.

Automation Alley 2675 Bellingham Rd, Troy, MI 48083

Welcome

Session 1: Current Challenges In Americas Automotive Industry

Session 2: Material And Semi-Finished Product Trend

Session 3.1: Engineering And Process Innovations Part 1

Session 3.2: Engineering And Process Innovations Part 2

Session 4: Machines & Equipment

6:00 p.m. Networking Reception @ Royal Park Hotel, Rochester, MI, USA

Day 2

9a.m.- 5p.m.

Opening / Registration

Session 5: Parts Manufacturing

Session 6: Post Processing Support

Session 7: Tool And Automation Technology

Session 8: Digitalization & Ai

Conclusions

Day 3

Company Visit

8:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. Andritz Schuler USA, Canton, MI 

1:00-2:30 p.m. ABB Inc. Robotics, 1250 Brown Rd., Auburn Hills, MI 48326

 

Preliminary Agenda PDF (Status 23 July 2025)