Image: Nils Vossler / ARENA2036

2025 at ARENA2036

As the year draws to a close, we would like to take this opportunity to look back on 2025 at ARENA2036 together with you. A lot has been created on our shop floor, a lot has been further developed—and above all, it has once again been demonstrated that we can achieve more together than alone. Our ecosystem has grown, new projects and initiatives have emerged, and numerous visitors from all over the world have found their way to our research campus in Stuttgart.

We would like to take this opportunity to look back at some of the highlights and - for once - not look to the future, but to the past. We hope you enjoy reading!

 

New members

Over the course of the year, we welcomed a total of eight new members to the ARENA2036 ecosystem: AMPLINK, Collective Mind, Delta Electronics, UNSW-Sydney, Analog Devices, ATAVI, TruPhysics, and Collectu. Each of these companies brings its own expertise and fresh ideas to the table, enriching our network and ensuring that new synergies can emerge right here on site. It is precisely this mix that makes our collaboration so valuable—because it creates space for innovative ideas that solve concrete challenges.

AMPLINK	Delta Electronics	UNSW Sydney	ATAVI
TruPhysics	Collectu

 

Focus on collaborative projects

There was also plenty happening in 2025 around our four collaborative projects—Well-defined, CarPulse, EcoFrame, and Connect4HCA. These projects reflect our strategic research priorities of mobility, production, sustainability, and connectivity, and demonstrate year after year just how diverse and practice-oriented research is within the ARENA2036 ecosystem. In new project videos, which can be found on the respective project pages, the project leaders had the opportunity to present their topics in detail. In addition, the latest results were presented, evaluated, and shared with the project sponsors at the biannual project status meetings. At the networking meeting in May, synergies and interfaces between the projects were explored, thereby fostering collaboration among them. We are eager to see what developments await us in 2026 and how the projects will continue to evolve.

More information: Well-defined, CarPulse, EcoFrame, Connect4HCA

 

New projects and initiatives

Throughout 2025, new projects and initiatives have emerged at ARENA2036 that demonstrate just how valuable the close proximity of industry, research, and startups is on our shop floor. Here, different perspectives come together directly, enabling collaborative solutions that often would never come to fruition outside of this ecosystem. We’re highlighting some of the most exciting new projects here.

AutoGBA

In the AutoGBA project, Daimler Truck and Agile Robots are developing an automation solution for precise transmission assembly. Since modern transmissions require tolerances of less than 10 micrometers, a hybrid force/position control concept is to automate the previously manual, demanding bolt assembly process. A newly developed gripper enables the secure gripping and precise positioning of different gears in tight spaces. ARENA2036 serves as a shared testing environment in which the application is being finalized and further developed. The goal: a scalable approach for future highly automated series production.

You can find more information on the project page.

CeSaRa

Schaeffler and Waveye are collaborating in ARENA2036 to increase safety in highly automated factories. The aim is to use imaging radar systems that reliably prevent collisions between people, robots, and vehicles. The sensors cover large production areas cost-effectively and detect people with over 99.9% accuracy in less than half a second – without the need for identification tags. As the system is integrated into the infrastructure, the autonomy of robots and AGVs is fully preserved. CeSaRa thus demonstrates how modern radar and AI technology can enable safe working environments.

You can find more information on the project page.

ECOPOWERBRAKE

With ECOPOWERBRAKE, DLR and Daimler Truck are jointly developing a hybrid brake that drastically reduces particulate emissions in traffic. The solution achieves more than triple the power density of previous eddy current brakes and, thanks to magnetic forces, brakes to a standstill – without a conventional friction brake. This reduces wear by around 90%, and the encapsulated design completely prevents the escape of particulate matter. In ARENA2036, the team is focusing on innovative manufacturing processes such as laser welding and prototype demonstration. The project aims to raise the technology to TRL 5 and prepare it for use in a real vehicle.

You can find more information on the project page.

 

Internationalization at ARENA2036

ARENA2036 not only has a strong national network, but is also a sought-after point of contact internationally. In 2025, we welcomed numerous delegations from abroad, further strengthening global exchange. We also attended trade fairs, including Photonics West in San Francisco and JEC World in Paris. We also welcomed delegations from Canada, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Australia, Malaysia, China, and Finland, as well as representatives from the German Foreign Office. These visits demonstrate how relevant our topics are in an international context—and how much potential there is in global cooperation.

SPIE Photonics West 2025	JEC World 2025	Department of State	University of British Columbia
Department for Business and Trade UK	UNSW Sydney	Dutch Director General for Mobility	SIRIM Malaysia

 

Events

In 2025, ARENA2036 was once again present at numerous trade shows and events—and often served as the venue for exciting programs itself. A look back shows where people came together, exchanged ideas, and where new ideas took shape.

Hannover Messe 2025

A highlight at the start of the year was our appearance at the 2025 Hannover Messe. At our combined booth, we presented not only the campus concept but also several projects, including the Transformation Hub Wire Harness, the Industrial Metaverse, DigiTain, and the management platform for the Wire Harness (AAS4WH). Once again, the trade show provided an ideal platform to engage with industry partners, make new connections, and raise awareness of our ecosystem. And, of course, we’ll be back at the trade show in 2026—this time in Hall 13 at Booth E30. We’re already looking forward to seeing many familiar faces and meeting new ones.

 

Women in Tech 2025

We were particularly pleased to once again co-host Women of Tech this year. Every year, the event provides an inspiring platform where academia, industry, startups, experienced executives, and young talent come together. In 2025, under the annual theme “Shaping Technology Together,” we were once again able to help bring together exciting perspectives and discuss them together. Our research coordinator, Frederik Wulle, also participated in the panel discussion “Strong Together: How Collaboration Between Academia and Industry Drives Disruption.” We’re already looking forward to hosting the event again next year.

 

Ü:MO 2025 – our big annual event

Following the huge success of über:morgen 2024, we have established our Ü:MO event format as a fixed annual feature. Once a year in the summer, we open the doors of ARENA2036 and invite project participants, members, and interested parties to experience the research campus up close. The event creates a lively space for exchange—between industry, science, and politics, between long-standing members and new partners, and, of course, about the technologies and ideas of tomorrow. The 2025 edition was a complete success, and we look forward to welcoming you again on June 18, 2026. A preliminary agenda is already available on the event page—more information will follow shortly!

 

In-Vehicle Networks: Digital 2025

This year's edition of Bordnetze Digital took place on September 25, 2025. More than 110 experts gathered at ARENA2036 to discuss the latest developments in wiring harness technology. The focus was on digitalization, AI, and standards, accompanied by specialist presentations and an exhibition with six exhibitors. The event impressively demonstrated how networking between industry and research drives innovation and once again provided a forum for practical exchange. The next edition of Bordnetze Digital will take place on September 24, 2026—further information will follow shortly.

Our aftermovie offers a deeper insight into the event:

 

Tractus-X Community Days

The Tractus-X Community Days, which took place at our premises for the fourth and fifth time in 2025, were once again an integral part of our event calendar this year. Developers and managers from the international data space came together to exchange knowledge, discuss new ideas, and work on specific use cases in workshops. Once again, the strong community spirit that unfolded at these events was particularly impressive. The direct exchange, joint work, and diversity of perspectives create real added value—and show how much dynamism there is in this ecosystem.

 

2025... and now what?

Even as 2025 draws to a close, we at ARENA2036 are, as so often, just getting started. New projects are in the pipeline, exciting events are planned, and many teams are already working on the topics that will set the tone for the coming year. We’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all our members, partners, and friends for their collaboration. Anyone who spends a day with us immediately senses that “Innovation through Collaboration” isn’t just a motto, but a way of life—driven by everyone who is involved here.

The entire ARENA2036 management team is already looking forward to 2026 and wishes you all a happy, relaxing holiday season and a successful start to the new year!