Congress

Review: Bordnetze Digital 2025 in the ARENA2036

On September 25, 2025, more than 110 experts from industry, science and technology met at ARENA2036 in Stuttgart to discuss the latest developments in wiring system development and production. The event, which is now a permanent fixture in the industry calendar, combined specialist presentations, an exhibition with six exhibitors and numerous networking opportunities. Bordnetze Digital 2025 once again proved to be a lively platform for knowledge transfer and dialog.

Video: Robin Mümmler / ARENA2036

A lively start

As in the previous year, the focus was on digitalization topics. In addition to the presentations, the exchange between participants and exhibitors was particularly important. Moderated by Georg Schnauffer (ARENA2036) and Dr. Alain Pfouga (prostep ivip), the second edition of Bordnetze Digital once again demonstrated its strengths: well-founded technical presentations and many personal discussions. Organized by ARENA2036 in cooperation with the prostep ivip association, the congress offers a solid platform for dialogue within the industry.

Topics and impulses from lectures & discussions

The programme of presentations made it clear how diverse the approaches to digitalization in the industry are. Dr. Detlef Zerfowski (ETAS) showed how the transformation to the software-defined vehicle is fundamentally changing the architecture in the vehicle. Mercedes-Benz focused on the consistent use of wiring harness data, which can ensure quality and reduce rework.

Several presentations focused on the use of AI: smartCable presented a model-based tool chain for simulation and variant management, the University of Stuttgart and IILS demonstrated the automated generation of cable harnesses, and the ISW presented approaches to AI-supported cable manipulation.

Another focus was on interoperability and standards. Contributions from ARENA2036, msg and 4Soft made it clear how Asset Administration Shell, VEC and data spaces will enable secure exchange and digital consistency in the future. In addition, Daimler Truck, S-IT and Siemens presented solutions for safeguarding variants and digitizing production.

Thomas Kost, CTO of Sumitomo Electric Bordnetze, summed it up as follows:
"Every year, Bordnetze Digital offers the opportunity to discuss the state of digitalization in our industry and to gain impetus for the future. Today, digital mapping of the wiring harness across all phases is the key to remaining competitive."

The conclusion of the lecture program: software, AI and standards are interlinked and form the basis for mastering complexity and developing future-proof vehicle electrical systems.

Exhibitor in focus: Innovation from different angles

Six companies and initiatives presented themselves at the trade exhibition to showcase their specific areas of expertise and their portfolio of solutions. Together, they reflected the diversity of wiring system development:

• With "Chat with a Bordnet", 4Soft showed how AI can support the development process and simplify wiring harness designs.
• Reallabor Industrial Metaverse presented virtual commissioning and production simulation using digital twins and VR.
• S-IT Application Engineering & Consulting presented its end-to-end approach for integrated development processes.
• smartCable demonstrated simulation solutions that can be used to validate electrical, thermal and assembly-related aspects at an early stage.
• Transformation hub Wire Harness presented itself as an information hub for innovations in the wire harness industry and provided information on projects such as the Robotics Challenge 2026 as well as planned innovation shows and trend outlooks.
• VOSS Automotive presented a smart assistance glove that supports assembly workers in real time. Sensors and AI detect whether a connector is correctly seated and issue a warning in the event of errors.

Outlook

The congress made it clear that digitalization, simulation, AI and automation are not individual topics, but part of an integrated transformation. The close interlinking of hardware, software, data models and process innovation is key.

We would like to thank all participants, speakers and exhibitors for their contribution and are already looking forward to continuing the discussion next year - on September 24, 2026 in the ARENA2036.

Impressions

Pictures: Nils Vossler / ARENA2036

Digital wiring systems 2026: Save the Date!

Bordnetze Digital 2026 will take place on September 24 in the ARENA2036

Planning is already underway for the next edition: Bordnetze Digital 2026 will take place on September 24, 2026 in the ARENA2036. The concept of the congress with a balanced mix of specialist presentations, exhibition and networking opportunities around current developments in the digitalization of the wiring systems industry will remain unchanged. The call for papers will be published in spring 2026, but suggestions for topics can of course already be submitted now.

We look forward to meeting both familiar and new participants in the coming year.