Keynote Speakers

The emergence of 'smart' systems technology is transforming various aspects of daily life, including self-driving vehicles and digital home assistants. However, experiences from this developing field underscore the importance of integrating risk management into the fundamental design of these systems. The lessons learned range from minor issues, such as algorithms displaying unusual behaviors like unexpectedly laughing digital assistants, to critical concerns, such as automotive accidents caused by flawed algorithms or misplaced confidence in the capabilities of automated systems. This presentation will emphasize the collaborative efforts of engineers and scientists in mitigating risks associated with the deployment of intelligent devices through careful system design.

Textiles date back to the beginning of civilization, yet their functional nature has remained largely unchanged for centuries. In this presentation, recent technological advances in fiber and textile materials that enable a new class of highly functional fabric products will be highlighted.

The performance of semiconductors continues to evolve to meet the demands of the most advanced technologies including artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles, smart sensors, and machine learning applications. Simultaneously, while the technical complexity in manufacturing continues to increase, the pace of electronics development continues to accelerate.

In 2025, most analysts agree that emerging sensor technologies will be among the most significant enablers for the practical applications of AI and other deep tech capabilities that will change the world. For this reason, sensor market visibility and growth potential have caught the attention of investors globally. Venture Capital spending shows signs of strengthening in the Sensor and MEMS sector for the first time in twenty years.

Aviation has made extraordinary advancements in engineering, technology, and safety systems, yet pilots continue to fall victim to one of flight’s most fundamental dangers—stall. Despite over a century of progress, innovation, and enhanced training, stalls still contribute to a significant number of air transport fatalities. Why do highly trained pilots, equipped with state-of-the-art warning systems, still make critical errors in stall scenarios? This talk examines the "human error traps" pilots face, the unintended consequences of automation, and how solutions beyond engineering are improving pilot response and survival in stall situations.