Day 1 – Thursday 29.08.2024
Location
SuperC, Templergraben 55, 52062 Aachen
09:00 – 09:30
Reception and registration
09:30 – 09:50
Welcome by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Katharina Klemt-Albert
Director of the ICoM – RWTH Aachen University
Information about the hostess
As Director of the Institute of Construction Management, Digital Construction and Robotics in Civil Engineering, Univ. Prof. Dr.-Ing. Katharina Klemt-Albert combines innovation with sustainability in her research topics.
She stands for sustainable digitalization and, through her work at RWTH Aachen University, promotes the use of innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence and robotics to shape the construction of the future.
09:50 – 10:05
Welcome Speech by Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Dr. h. c. mult. Ulrich Rüdiger
Rector – RWTH Aachen
Information about the speaker
Ulrich Rüdiger has been Rector of RWTH Aachen University since 2018. From 1997 to 1998 he was a post-doctoral fellow at New York University in the group of Prof. Dr A.D. Kent, with stays at the IBM Research Laboratory in San Jose and at the Cornell Nanofabrication Facility at Cornell University in the USA. He obtained his Ph.D. in 1997 and habilitated in 2002 in the group of Prof. Dr. G. Güntherodt at the RWTH Aachen before moving to the University of Konstanz as Professor of Experimental Physics. He led the university as Rector from 2009 to 2018.
Block 1
Strategies for BIM and automation in Germany and around the world
10:15 – 10:30
Digital transformation and data innovations for construction and infrastructure – the BMDV’s commitment to research and practical implementation
Susanne Henckel, State Secretary – BMDV
Information about the speaker presentation
As State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport, Susanne Henckel’s main responsibility is to drive forward the expansion and improvement of Germany’s railway infrastructure at the highest political level. With the establishment of Deutsche Bahn’s new public-interest infrastructure company, she has reached an important milestone in this direction. The focus is now on further fields of action for an ideal rail transport system of the future. In her presentation, Ms. Henckel will show how modern technology, infrastructure and processes as well as courageous decisions are helping to make Germany an international role model in terms of sustainable transport infrastructure.
10:30 – 10:45
Leveraging Smart Technologies for the Construction Sector – From BIM to Engineering to Facilities Management
Oliver Tian, Chairman – Asia Pacific Assistive Robotics Association
Information about the speaker & presentation
Oliver Tian, unter anderem Honorary Advisory Mentor der Asia Pacific Assistive Robotics Association, ist ein leidenschaftlicher KI-Visionär, der daran glaubt, dass die Technologie die menschlichen Fähigkeiten erweitern und unser Potenzial ausbauen kann. Mit mehr als 35 Jahren IT-Beratungserfahrung für Regierungen und multinationale Unternehmen im gesamten asiatisch-pazifischen Raum liegen seine Stärken in Geschäftsprozessen und fortschrittlichen Technologien. Als überzeugter Verfechter des branchenübergreifenden Austauschs hat er erfolgreich mit Kunden zusammengearbeitet, um den Einsatz von Technologie und Humankapital zur Erfüllung von Geschäftsanforderungen zu optimieren. Er ist der Meinung, dass Technologie dazu genutzt werden sollte, die Lebensbedingungen der Menschen zu verbessern und setzt sich mit seinem Unternehmen dafür ein. In seinem Vortrag wird Herr Tian einige der von den Kommunalverwaltungen ergriffenen Initiativen und Kooperationsbemühungen zur Bewertung und Einführung intelligenter Technologien in Singapur und Aktivitäten in der Region vorgestellt.
10:45 – 11:00
Digitalization in the Railway Industry – BIM in Major Projects
Dr.-Ing. Katja Hüske, Head of Infrastructure Planning and Projects – DB InfraGO AG
Information about the speaker presentation
Dr Katja Hüske, Head of Infrastructure Planning and Project Principles at DB InfraGO AG (formerly DB Netz AG), has held management positions in various DB Group companies since completing her PhD at the Technical University of Darmstadt in 2001. Under her leadership, major national and international projects have been successfully completed. In her current position, she is playing a key role in the modernisation of the German rail network and is driving forward the expansion of the capacity of rail as a sustainable mode of transport. In her presentation, Ms Hüske will highlight the optimisation potential of digitalisation in construction projects and present the progress and standards of BIM methodology at Deutsche Bahn.
11:00 – 11:15
Learnings from construction’s systemic change in Finland
Jussi Aho, CEO – Flow Technologies
Information about the speaker & presentation
Jussi Aho is a leading figure in construction industry in the Nordic countries and industry press has repeatedly selected him among the most innovative leaders within the sector in Finland. Today Jussi is CEO of Flow Technologies Ltd, where he is leading the development and deployment of industrial construction methods through portfolio companies Sitedrive (software and services) and Flow Modules (pre-fabricated modules and components). The objective of this work is to provide solutions that help construction companies cut construction times, increase quality and improve worker wellbeing. Jussi is always interested to share and exchange ideas, and believes firmly that we need to collaborate closely to achieve meaningful change.
11:15 – 12:00
Panel discussion block 1
Information about the moderator
As Director of the Institute of Construction Management, Digital Construction and Robotics in Civil Engineering, Univ. Prof. Dr.-Ing. Katharina Klemt-Albert combines innovation with sustainability in her research topics.
She stands for sustainable digitalization and, through her work at RWTH Aachen University, promotes the use of innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence and robotics to shape the construction of the future.
Moderation
Katharina Klemt-Albert
12:00 – 13:15
Break
Block 2
Innovation drivers in the construction industry – Best practice from the global players
13:15 – 13:30
Smarter work through autonomous robotics on construction sites
Dr. Oliver Geibig, Managing Director Business Units & Engineering – Fischerwerke GmbH & Co KG
Information about the speaker & presentation
Dr Oliver Geibig, Managing Director Business Units Engineering at the fischer group, holds a PhD in civil engineering and is an expert in the development of innovative products and systems in the construction industry, particularly in the area of connectors and fixings. His strategic expertise, combined with a deep understanding of Building Information Modelling (BIM), makes him a strong partner in the go-to-market of products, software and services, including the development of a go-to-market strategy. True to his motto “Standing still is going backwards”, he is determined to drive innovation in the construction industry. In his lecture, Mr. Geibig will present the successes of the fischer group in the field of robotics.
13:30 – 13:45
Our Struggle for Human-Robotic Collaboration
Hiroyuki Shimizu, Executive Managing Officer – Takenaka Corp.
Information about the speaker & presentation
Hiroyuki Shimizu, Executive Managing Officer of Takenaka Corporation, is a first-class architect and specialist planner. The Takenaka Corporation has over 400 years of construction experience and has long been an experienced global player as a general contractor. Using an open Building Lifecycle Intelligence approach in combination with digital twins, the company creates impressive buildings and structures worldwide. The Takenaka Corporation relies on the holistic use of Building Information Modeling. Mr. Shimizu has been at the forefront of driving forward the digitalization of the construction industry, for example by promoting “OPEN BIM”. His presentation will provide insights into the use of digital innovations in one of Japan’s largest construction companies.
13:45 – 14:00
Autonomous laser scanning on the construction site
Johannes Hotz, Business Lead Leica BLK ARC – Leica Geosystems AG
Information about the speaker & presentation
Johannes Hotz has more than two decades of experience in the surveying industry and is Business Lead Geosystems for Leica BLK ARC at Hexagon. He leads the global business development for the autonomous solution BLK ARC and pursues Hexagon’s mission to realize an autonomously intelligent, digitally accessible and infinitely connected future through reality capture technologies. His previous career path in leading the innovation and lifecycle of various mobile platforms has given him a broad knowledge and understanding of the geospatial industry, both from a hardware and software perspective. In his lecture, Mr. Hotz will present innovative approaches and practical examples of autonomous mobile laser scanning in the construction world, which will be demonstrated with the help of the robot dog Spot.
14:00 – 14:15
Digital workflow – from acquisition to operation
Stefan Suche, Head of BIM Department – Goldbeck
Information about the speaker & presentation
As head of the BIM department at GOLDBECK, civil engineer Stefan Suche manages the implementation and intensification of the digital working method at the well-known German construction company. With innovative strength and as a driver of digitalization, he pursues the goal for the company of ensuring that the buildings function optimally during use thanks to a solid basis in planning and construction. In his presentation, Mr. Suche explains why BIM is the basis for element-based construction with a system, for which Goldbeck has become known beyond the borders of Germany.
14:30 – 15:15
Panel discussion block 2
Information about the moderator
David Bongartz is Head of Regional Development at the Zukunftsagentur Rheinisches Revier. In his diverse tasks at the regional development agency with a focus on structural change, he bundles a wide range of topics, from coordination, advice and support for projects to making processes visible to the public. He is optimally networked thanks to an exchange with players from areas in Germany and around the world that are undergoing or have undergone comparable transformation processes.
Moderation
David Bongartz
15:15 – 15:45
Break & Networking
Block 3
Faster construction & a longer lifecycle for infrastructure – BIM and automation
15:45 – 16:00
The flood disaster as a driver for innovative construction
Dr. Petra Beckefeld, Technical Director – Straßen.NRW
Information about the speaker presentation
Dr.-Ing. Petra Beckefeld is currently Technical Director and Spokesperson of the Management Board of Straßen.NRW. With a doctorate in civil engineering, she has extensive experience in public-private partnership projects and previously played a key role in driving forward several digitalisation projects and the “WI-Connect” master plan for the city of Wiesbaden as head of the city’s civil engineering and surveying office. In 2020, she was also recognised as one of the Top 50 Remarkable Women in Transport. Ms Beckefeld will open the infrastructure block and talk about the reconstruction after the flood disaster in 2021.
16:00 – 16:15
Building faster with BIM – Aspirations and Dilemmas
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Michael Blaschko, CEO –Wayss Freytag Ingenieurbau AG
Information about the speaker & presentation
As CEO of Wayss Freytag Ingenieurbau AG, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Michael Blaschko stands for a company that combines know-how and sustainability in the construction of sophisticated infrastructure. He is committed to these issues through his work on various committees, for example as the representative for railways in the Federation of the German Construction Industry or as a member of the Federal Transport Commission of the German Economic Council. In his lectures, he passes on his many years of experience in various positions in construction companies to the engineers of tomorrow. In his lecture, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Blaschko will talk about shaping the future through long-term infrastructure construction.
16:15 – 16:30
BIM in federal highway construction – Model-based knowledge resource
Werner Breinig, Project Leader – DEGES
Information about the speaker presentation
Werner Breinig, Project Manager BIM Planning and Construction Processes and Team Leader, explains the BIM strategy for the construction and maintenance of the federal trunk road network at DEGES Deutsche Einheit Fernstraßenplanungs- und -bau GmbH. The civil engineering graduate has worked in various positions in consulting for engineering services. Since 2015, he has been responsible for various infrastructure projects as a project manager at DEGES. In addition to his operational work, he is driving forward the nationwide implementation of the BIM method in order to make projects more efficient, more cooperative and more sustainable. In his presentation, Mr Breinig will introduce BIM in federal trunk road construction and explain the role of model-based knowledge resources for information.
17:00 – 17:45
Panel discussion block 3
Information about the moderator
Univ.-Prof. Dr.-Ing. habil. Markus Oeser studied Civil Engineering at the TU Dresden with a focus on structural engineering. In 2004, he completed his doctorate in Dresden with the topic “Numerical simulation of the non-linear behavior of multi-layered flexible transport pathways”. This was followed in 2010 by his habilitation with the topic “Nonlinear numerical simulation models for traffic pathways with regard to mechanical, thermal and hydraulic effects“. In 2006, Markus Oeser was a Research Member of the Technical University of Delft University, the Netherlands, and from 2007 to 2011 he was a University Lecturer at the Institute of Geotechnics, Road Construction and Traffic Engineering at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Sydney, Australia. In 2011, he became Head of the Chair of Highway Engineering and Director of the Institute of Highway Engineering, and in 2016, Dean at the Faculty of Civil Engineering at the Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen (RWTH). He took up a visiting professorship at the Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT), in Harbin, Heilongjang, China in 2015, which ended as per contract in 2022. In 2021, he was appointed to the professorship of Pavement Engineering and Construction, TU Dresden. He has been President of the Federal Highway Research Institute since November 2021.
Moderation
Markus Oeser
17:45
Finish
Location
ICoM, Jülicher Str. 209d, 52070 Aachen
from 19:00
Evening event at the ICoM
Information about the evening event
The evening event offers the opportunity to get to know the ICoM and the associated Construction Robotics Learning Factory better. New contacts can be made and existing ones strengthened over dinner and music. Look forward to inspiring discussions in a relaxed atmosphere!
Day 2 – Friday 30.08.2024
Location
SuperC, Templergraben 55, 52062 Aachen
08:00 – 08:30
Reception and registration
08:30 – 08:45
Welcome by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Katharina Klemt-Albert
Director of the ICoM – RWTH Aachen University
Block 4
Artificial Intelligence – Software robotics for Process Optimization
08:45 – 09:00
Enabling Innovation & Construction Automation through Digital Information Standards
Prof. John Messner, Charles and Elinor Matts Professor of Architectural Engineering –
Pennsylvania State University (USA)
Information about the speaker & presentation
John Messner, Charles and Elinor Matt Professor of Civil Engineering and Director of the Computer Integrated Construction Research Program at Penn State University. He teaches and researches in the areas of BIM, digital twins, lean construction, immersive technologies (VR/AR/MR) and project delivery methods. As part of his work, he is continuously working on digital modeling standards that have been adopted by many public and private organizations. Among other things, he is Chairman of the U.S. National BIM Standard Initiative at the National Institute of Building Sciences, which honored him with the 2021 Distinguished Service Award for his many years of commitment. In his presentation, Dr. Messner will discuss how technologies and standards in the areas of digital twins and BIM can be used to leverage robotics and artificial intelligence in our industry.
09:00 – 09:15
BIM, Automation and Artificial Intelligence on the Construction Site? A New Era of Stakeholder Coordination
Oliver Eischet, CEO – specter automation specter automation
Information about the speaker & presentation
Oliver Eischet is the founder and CEO of the startup Specter, which is revolutionizing construction site management with its intuitive construction progress monitoring software. Together with his partners, he has identified the actual needs of the industry in countless days on the construction site and discussions with site managers and foremen and has developed a tool that is intended to make everyday work on the construction site easier without replacing the expertise and know-how of individuals. In his presentation, Mr. Eischet reports on ConTech’s path to date, its establishment on the market, even with major players, and the technology that puts people at the center.
09:15 – 09:30
Generative AI and its potential in BIM and Robotics
Assistant Prof. Hongjo Kim, Assistant Professor – Yonsei University (Seoul, Korea) Yonsei University (Seoul, Korea)
Information about the speaker & presentation
Prof. Hongjo Kim holds an assistant professorship at the Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Yonsei University in South Korea. As part of the Smart Infrastructure Research Lab, he and his team are researching new technologies to innovate traditional practices in the planning, design, construction, operation and maintenance of infrastructure such as roads, bridges, tunnels and dams throughout their life cycle. Mr. Kim will present how to transform experience-based decision making in the infrastructure lifecycle into data-driven scientific decision making by integrating various technologies such as artificial intelligence, computer vision, simulation and economic feasibility analysis.
09:30 – 09:45
Robotics in Timber Construction – Transformation of an Industry?
Sascha Schade, CTO – Balteschwiler AG
Information about the speaker & presentation
Sascha Schade, CTO of Balteschwiler AG, combines his expertise in robotics and timber construction for industrial woodworking with a double degree in mechanical and electrical engineering and as a specialist engineer in timber construction. The robotics, digital timber construction and software architecture enthusiast is passionate about developing innovations that are tailored precisely to the needs of internal and external customers. In his view, the most important prerequisite for effective and efficient production is that the data from the planning process is available in high quality and in a predefined system. In his presentation, Mr. Schade will show how this goal is currently being implemented in practice and what the future of robotic off-site prefabrication of hybrid components with wood as the main material looks like. Among other things, he will discuss initial experiments with big data and artificial intelligence in the company’s production.
10:00 – 10:45
Panel discussion block 4
Information about the moderator
Dr. Tilo Nemuth, who holds a doctorate in civil engineering, has been a member of the management board of Julius Berger International GmbH since 2020. He is responsible for business development, IT strategy, sales, university marketing and quality management. With his many years of expertise in national and international construction projects, he previously accompanied the strategic reorientation of the company.
Moderation
Dr.-Ing. Tilo Nemuth
10:45 – 11:00
Break
Block 5
OnSite Robotics – Tackling the shortage of skilled workers
11:00 – 11:15
Innovative Robotic Solutions: Enhancing Efficiency and Addressing Labor Shortages in Japan
Masahiro Indo, Researcher – Shimizu Corporation
Information about the speaker & presentation
Masahiro Indo is currently working as a research assistant at the Shimizu Institute of Technology with the aim of designing the construction site of tomorrow with good working conditions and efficient processes. The former Senior Managing Officer of the Robotics & ICT Development Department at Shimizu Corporation is passionate about the development of machines and robots that support and optimize human work on construction sites. In his presentation, he will provide an insight into current research into human-robot collaboration on construction sites.
11:15 – 11:30
The Practical Implementation of “BIM and ROBO” on the Construction Site
Heike Kling, Head of Engineering – Hilti Germany AG
Karl Arnolds, Chairman of the Management Board – nesseler Group
Information about the speakers and their presentation
Heike Kling, authorized signatory and Head of Engineering at Hilti Deutschland AG, and Karl-Peter Arnolds, CEO of the nesseler Group, work together with their teams on projects in which construction robotics is successfully used to save material and time. As Head of Engineering, industrial engineer Heike Kling is driving forward digital planning and construction as well as the use of construction robotics on the construction site. Karl-Peter Arnolds, a qualified civil engineer with a Master’s degree in Business Administration, is responsible for the use of the semi-autonomous robot “Jaibot” in the BIM pilot project at Cologne University Hospital. In their presentation, the two will talk about their experiences of using the Jaibot in the project.
11:30 – 11:45
Making the World a Safer Place with Robotics
Dr. Michele Guarnieri, Co-Founder and CEO – Hibot Corporation (Japan)
Information about the speaker & presentation
Michele Guarnieri, co-founder and CEO of Hibot Corporation, has extensive expertise in the development of mobile platforms that can be used for search and rescue and inspection operations, with Master’s degrees in Computer Science and Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and a PhD in Robotics. With Hibot, he heads a company that specializes in advanced robot technologies and develops robotics for use in areas that are dangerous or inaccessible to humans. In his presentation, Mr. Guarnieri will introduce innovative robot solutions for the construction industry.
11:45 – 12:00
Robotic Mechanisms for Automation on Construction Site
Prof. Dr. Eng. Yusuke Sugahara, Associate Professor – Tokyo Institute of Technology (Japan)
Information about the speaker & presentation
Prof. Yusuke Sugahara has been an associate professor at the Tokyo Institute of Technology since 2015. He received his doctorate in engineering from Waseda University in 2006, where he worked as a research assistant. Since then, as an assistant professor at Tohoku University and as a lecturer at Kokushikan University, he has imparted his knowledge in the future-oriented fields of electrical engineering, information technology, mechanical engineering and robotics. In his lecture, Mr. Sugahara will talk about his research interests in the areas of mechanism design and control as well as mechanical and robotic systems.
12:15 – 13:00
Panel discussion block 5
Information about the moderator
Hendrik Benz heads the Construction Robotics research group at the Institute of Construction Management, Digital Construction and Robotics in Civil Engineering (ICoM) at RWTH Aachen University. After studying architecture, he specialized in automation in the construction industry with a master’s degree in robotics.
The combination of automation and sustainability in the construction industry led to the award of the New European Bauhaus Prize 2023 – an award initiated by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen – to the TOVA project, Spain’s first 3D-printed building made from sustainable resources, in which he was part of the international research team.
Before devoting himself to research, he was responsible for the parametric planning of the timber structure for Europe’s largest thatched roof at Lanserhof Sylt for Christoph Ingenhoven. Hendrik achieved further successes in Ingenhoven’s architecture office in Singapore with the successful approval of Sydney’s tallest residential tower, 505 George Street, and the One Spring Street office tower in Melbourne.
Moderation
Hendrik Benz
13:00- 14:00
Lunch break
Block 6
Circular construction – Digitalization as an Enabler of Circularity
14:00 – 14:20
ESG Regulation as the Key to Future-Proofing the Construction and Real Estate World – Technical Background and Practical Examples
Sebastian Kreutel, Head of Real Asset Financial Services Consulting – PwC Germany
Dr.-Ing. Tilo Nemuth, Managing Director – Julius Berger International GmbH Julius Berger International GmbH
Information about the speakers & presentation
Sebastian Kreutel is a partner at PwC in Frankfurt and heads the Real Asset Financial Services Consulting division at PwC Real Asset Advisory. He advises fund and asset managers as well as custodians and service providers on various strategic and regulatory issues such as the implementation of AIFM-compliant management structures and ESG strategy projects.
Dr. Tilo Nemuth, who holds a doctorate in civil engineering, has been a member of the management board of Julius Berger International GmbH since 2020. He is responsible for business development, IT strategy, sales, university marketing and quality management. With his many years of expertise in national and international construction projects, he previously accompanied the strategic reorientation of the company.
14:30 – 14:45
Moringa Hamburg HafenCity – Ecological and Social Added Value for Urban Development
Vanja Schneider, Managing Director – Moringa GmbH
Information about the speaker & presentation
Vanja Schneider is a founding member and managing partner of MORINGA GmbH. The civil and industrial engineer has over 10 years of expertise in ecological construction based on the circular economy principle and is a pioneer of the cradle-to-cradle concept in the construction world. In addition to the Moringa Hamburg project, he also played a key role in driving forward The Cradle project in Düsseldorf. It promotes the circular economy by setting up and implementing its own product database, which now contains over 300 ecological/recyclable products. In his presentation, Mr. Schneider will highlight the possibilities and opportunities of circular construction based on the pioneering Moringa Hamburg project.
14:45 – 15:00
Data as a Future Resource for Circular Timber Construction
Markus Steppler, Managing Director – DERIX GmbH & Co.
Information about the speaker & presentation
The qualified civil engineer Markus Steppler, Managing Director of the DERIX Group, has many years of experience in the field of modular construction concepts and is fully committed to circular economy in the construction world. He is committed to “better” construction that is simpler, more logical, more automated, more digitalized and, above all, more sustainable, ecological and circular. Mr. Steppler will present the opportunities offered by industrial prefabrication in modular timber construction as an inspiration for the construction of the future.
15:15-16:00
Panel discussion Block 6
Information about the moderator
Univ.-Prof. Prof. h.c. (MGU) Dr.-ing. Dipl.-Wirt.Ing. Thomas Gries initially worked in a managerial role in industry after completing his doctorate in mechanical engineering before becoming Director of the Institute of Textile Technology (ITA) at RWTH Aachen University in 2001. His ambitious research activities earned him international recognition and made the ITA the leading institution in the digitalization and biotransformation of the textile sector. Today, Thomas Gries is a thought leader in the field of 3D 4D textiles and drives innovation in this area as a member of the National Academy of Science and Engineering “acatech” and a member of the “Industrial Artificial Intelligence” working group of the National Platform Industry 4.0.
Moderation
Thomas Gries
