Text

Automation Vista

Exploring the Future of Industrial Technologies

Date: 2025.May 13

Time :09:30 - 18:30 CET

Location: Hotel Plaza, Kopparbergsvägen 10, Västerås

Registration fee: Free of charge, including a networking buffet

The research profile MARC and Automation Region at Mälardalen University present Automation Vista – the must-attend conference for industry leaders, researchers, and innovators shaping the future of automation and AI. On May 13, we gather in Västerås to exchange ideas and explore new business opportunities.

Research is constantly evolving in key areas for the industry. A core focus of Automation Vista is to bridge the gap between academia and business – bringing research into the industry while ensuring that insights also flow back to academia.

You’ll meet leading researchers in fields such as humanoid robotics and AI, alongside business leaders discussing the implementation of emerging technologies. Throughout the day, a dedicated Expo will showcase related solutions and projects.

Participating experts

Participating experts from academia and business: Katie Winkle (Uppsala University), Christer Norström (Mälardalen University), Mattias Bergkvist (Aixia), Lukas Dust (Mälardalen University), Martin Hellström (Mälardalen University), Anna Wenemark (Alfa Laval), Erik Frisk (Linköping University), Jonas Larsson (ABB), Alexander Young (Nvidia), Robert Lidberg (Airon), Magnus Welén (Prevas), Henrik Jensen (HARTING), Johan Holtmann (ABB), Catarina Berglund (Automation Region), Elias Julin (Saab Group), and Thomas Nolte (Mälardalen University)

Conference program

09:30 – Registration & coffee

Conference introduction

Keynote – Katie Winkle, Uppsala University

Katie Winkle is an Assistant Professor in Social Robotics at Uppsala University. In her research she is exploring the topic of trustworthy, socially sustainable human-robot interaction and the importance of remembering the human in human-robot interaction

Fika break & networking

Keynote –Erik Frisk,Linköping University

Erik Frisk is a Professor at Linköping University, Department of Electrical Engineering. His research focuses on autonomous decision-making in multi-agent systems, especially in complex traffic scenarios involving multiple vehicles.Jonas Larsson is a Senior Research Manager at ABB, leading industrial research in intelligent robotics, mechatronics, and advanced mechanics. He combines deep technical expertise with a strong focus on strategy, innovation, and applied industrial solutions — from mining to robotics.

Keynote – Jonas Larsson, ABB Corporate Research

Jonas Larsson is a Senior Research Manager at ABB, leading industrial research in intelligent robotics, mechatronics, and advanced mechanics. He combines deep technical expertise with a strong focus on strategy, innovation, and applied industrial solutions — from mining to robotics.

12:00 – Lunch & Expo

Keynote – Alexander Young, Nvidia

Alexander Young is a Senior Technical Engineer at NVIDIA with over 25 years in the tech industry. He supports customers using NVIDIA’s AI platforms and will talk about Robotics & Physical AI — what’s possible today and what’s coming soon.

Industry panel: Implementing new technology

Fika break & Expo

Group Discussion: Expectations for the future

Summary & closing remarks

17:00 – Networking buffet, snacks and drinks

Join us for a day filled with knowledge, networking, and discussions on the technologies shaping the future.

Questions?

Please contact Peter Barkenskiöld peter.barkenskiold@mdu.se.

Expo

Throughout the day, a dedicated Expo will showcase related solutions and projects. The following companies and organisations will be participating:

The following research projects and other initiatives from Mälardalen University are participating in the expo:

  • AI@MDU, AI research programme – Christer Norström and Krister Landernäs, MDU
  • ARRAY, Indtech and RELIANT industrial PhD schools at MDU – Thomas Nolte, Mats Jackson and Kristina Lundqvist, MDU
  • Autobike research project – Niklas Persson, MDU
  • C2 collaborative center at Finnslätten – Henrik Falk, MDU
  • Circul8 research project on smart batteries – Koteshwar Chirumalla and Moris Behnam, MDU
  • CoDIG national competence center on continuous digitalization
  • ESCAPE-CD research project on mining automation – Hans Hansson, MDU
  • FLEXATION research project on modular automation – Mohammad Ashjaei, MDU
  • GAIT research project on regenerative AI – Kristian Sandström, MDU
  • MARC research profile – Thomas Nolte, MDU
  • Research on neurofeedback rehabilitation – Elaine Åstrand, MDU
  • SEINE research project on automatic self-configuration of industrial networks – Saad Mubeen, MDU
  • Support in setting up and running European research projects – Gunnar Widforss, MDU
  • Test automation research project – Eduard Paul Enoiu, MDU
  • TSS – a strategic profile area on trusted smart systems – Hans Hansson and Krister Landernäs, MDU
  • Volvo APP using humanoids in industry – Imad Berrouyne, Jessica Bruch and Mats Jackson, MDU