Agenda

Digital by Design: From Data to Scalable Operations

Jan Vavřík has served as General Manager of Amazon’s robotics fulfilment centre in Kojetín since 2023. The facility, recognised as a leader in automation and innovation supporting efficient order fulfilment, was personally launched by him and continues to operate successfully under his leadership. Before joining Amazon, where he originally held the position of Flow Area Manager, he spent ten years in the United Kingdom working for logistics companies including Technicolor, DHL, and Unipart Logistics, gradually progressing through a number of leadership roles.

Amazon is driven by principles of customer obsession, continuous improvement, process innovation, and long-term thinking. The company has pioneered a range of services and products, including Amazon Prime, Fulfilment by Amazon (FBA), AWS, Kindle, Echo with Alexa, and Amazon Studios.

In his presentation, Jan will reveal how AI supports every step — from planning to day-to-day operations — and how to manage fulfilment centre capacity and last-mile logistics in a robotic warehouse environment.

Flexible by Design: Magna Exteriors’s Modular Automation Transformation

Christoph Scheufler is Assistant General Manager and Head of Industrial Engineering, IT and Quality at Magna Exteriorsin Meerane, Germany. He is responsible for production system design, automation strategy, factory layout development and logistics process optimisation in a highly automated JIT/JIS manufacturing environment. With more than 15 years of experience in the automotive industry, he focuses on value-stream optimisation, digital transformation and the integration of Industry 4.0 technologies, including simulation, IoT and robotics.

At the Meerane plant, Christoph Scheufler led a project focused on automating bumper picking processes using a goods-to-person system with mobile robots from Noyes Technologies. The solution reduced walking distances by 97% and warehouse space requirements by 70%, while increasing picking performance to more than 250 picks per hour and significantly reducing error rates. In a second phase, the system was expanded with elevator integration for automated upper-level storage, demonstrating how modular automation can scale flexibly while keeping existing processes largely unchanged.

Using a digitisation platform for centralized management of assembly processes

Pavel Maryško works at Škoda Auto as a Senior Manager in vehicle production. He has extensive experience in managing production and logistics processes in the automotive industry, gained not only in the domestic environment but also through assignments at international plants within the Volkswagen Group. Throughout his professional career, he has focused on increasing efficiency, standardising processes, and implementing modern digital solutions in serial production.

Škoda Auto is one of the key brands within the Volkswagen Group and has long positioned itself as a technological leader in automated, flexible, and sustainable manufacturing. The company systematically develops the digitalisation of production processes, the use of data, and the integration of advanced systems for quality management, logistics, and production technologies.

In his presentation, Pavel Maryško will focus on the practical use of the Aimtec DCIx platform for managing EC tightening technology in a manufacturing environment. Through specific examples, he will demonstrate how centralised management, data collection, and data evaluation contribute to greater process stability, improved quality transparency, and more efficient management of production operations in automotive manufacturing. This approach to technology management also provides direct inspiration for data-driven logistics.

From Vision to Value: How AI and Automation Are Re‑Shaping Manufacturing Logistics

Markus Speiser serves as Sales Director for Design and Manufacturing in Central Europe at Autodesk. He brings more than twenty years of experience in driving digital transformation and revenue growth across the manufacturing, construction, and technology sectors. His mission is to help enterprise customers unlock their full potential through data-driven and scalable business solutions.

Autodesk is a global leader in design and engineering software, enabling companies to design, simulate, and operate complex products, factories, and infrastructure across industries, including automotive, manufacturing, and logistics. At the core of Autodesk’s innovation is the integration of digital twins and artificial intelligence. These digital twins allow organisations to simulate, monitor, and optimise operations in real time, increasing efficiency, resilience, and improving decision-making.

How can companies move from digital ambitions to tangible impact in logistics? In his presentation, Markus will share practical experience from implementing digital twins, AI, and automation in manufacturing environments. He will focus on selecting the right use cases, integrating data effectively, and scaling solutions beyond pilot projects to deliver measurable operational improvements.

It All Starts Before the Take-Off

Martin Šonka is a former Czech Air Force fighter pilot, aerobatic pilot, and the 2018 Red Bull Air Race World Champion. In the world of elite aviation, a successful flight does not begin at take-off but long before it – with thorough preparation, careful planning, and the evaluation of every possible scenario. During the closing interview at TAL 2026, he will share insights from an environment where there is no room for improvisation and explain why sound design, high-quality data, and rigorous preparation are essential to success in the cockpit.

From Intuition to Algorithms

Hana Součková is the Managing Director of SAP Czech Republic and Executive Director of SAP Ariba and SAP Concur. Every year, she personally meets with CEOs, top executives and business owners from Czech companies to discuss how technology can be aligned with their business needs and future visions. Her priorities include developing long-term cooperation with customers and partners, sharing experience and best practices from international SAP projects with Czech companies, and increasing the competitiveness of Czech businesses both domestically and internationally.

Not long ago, manufacturing was managed by the “experienced ear” of a shop floor manager and paper-based reports. Today, we stand on the threshold of autonomous factories. Hana Součková will demonstrate how this transformation within a single generation has fundamentally changed the role of people in industry – from experts relying on intuition to strategists driven by data.

The presentation will focus on why traditional continuous improvement methods are reaching their limits today and why a real leap in efficiency only comes when an entire company is connected into one digital ecosystem. Another key topic will be the role of people in this digital environment – specifically how technologies help individuals make better strategic decisions, work with real-time data and protect the lifespan of machines and production processes more effectively. The session will also address digitalisation as a prerequisite for competitiveness in a global environment where the ability to react quickly, plan efficiently and make informed decisions increasingly determines business success.

Shape Corp.: A Benchmark for Smart Automation in Intralogistics

Karel Kepka works as Plant Manager at Shape Corp. in Pilsen. He has extensive experience in automotive manufacturing, focusing on operational efficiency, optimisation of production and logistics processes, and the implementation of modern technologies in day-to-day plant operations. In his work, he emphasises practical solutions, process stability, and the long-term sustainable development of the production environment.

Shape Corp. is an international manufacturing company specialising in advanced metal and plastic solutions for the automotive industry. Across its plants, the company focuses on innovation, automation, and the efficient management of production and intralogistics processes.

Together with Idealworks, Karel Kepka will present a case study on intralogistics automation at the Shape Corp. plant in Pilsen. He will demonstrate how the facility was designed from the outset with automation in mind and how the close collaboration between both companies resulted in a scalable system for the fully automated transport of packaging and materials between production and shipping.

Shape Corp.: A Benchmark for Smart Automation in Intralogistics

Marek Kuna serves as PC&L Manager at Shape Corp. in Pilsen, where he is responsible for production control, logistics coordination, and the optimisation of internal material flows. In the automotive environment, he focuses on improving operational efficiency, ensuring process continuity, and implementing solutions that support more flexible and data-driven intralogistics operations.

Shape Corp. is an international manufacturing company specialising in advanced metal and plastic solutions for the automotive industry. Innovation, automation, and continuous process improvement are among the key pillars of its production strategy.

Together with idealworks, Marek Kuna will present a practical case study from the Shape Corp. plant in Pilsen focused on the automation of intralogistics processes. The presentation will show how a scalable automation concept helped streamline the transport of packaging and materials between production and shipping while supporting the plant’s long-term operational flexibility.

Shape Corp.: A Benchmark for Smart Automation in Intralogistics

Markus Schmermund has spent more than twenty years working in automation, intralogistics, and innovation in industrial environments. Before joining idealworks, he served at KION Group as Vice President Product Management for Automation & Intralogistics, focusing on innovation strategies, partnerships, and emerging technologies. Since autumn 2024, he has been leading the sales and marketing activities of idealworks as Chief Commercial Officer, supporting the company’s international growth in industrial automation.

idealworks was founded in 2020 as a subsidiary of BMW Group and focuses on the automation of logistics and production processes. At the core of its portfolio is the Idealworks OS platform, which connects robots, simulation technologies, and IT systems within one orchestration environment.

Together with Shape Corp., Markus Schmermund will present a case study on intralogistics automation at the Shape Corp. plant in Pilsen. He will demonstrate how a well-designed facility layout, a scalable system, and close collaboration enabled the efficient automation of material flows between production and shipping.

AI in Automotive Operations: Hype vs. Measurable Value

The German Association of the Automotive Industry (Verband der Automobilindustrie, VDA) has 680 members, including every major OEM manufacturers and supplier with manufacturing plants in Germany. The VDA’s mission is to act as a powerful voice for the entire industry in the German and European legislative processes and also to standardise processes for IT, administration, logistics, and manufacturing within pre-competition development.

Robert Cameron currently works as the Head of Production, Logistics and Aftermarket Department at the VDA and brings TAL years of experience from automotive logistics and planning, including his viewpoint as a member of the supervisory board for the Odette platform supporting standardisation and services for the entire European automotive supply chain.

During the panel discussion, they will share their perspectives on the practical applications of AI in the automotive industry.

Flexible by Design: Magna Exteriors’s Modular Automation Transformation

Marco Prüglmeier has more than twenty years of experience in the automotive industry and has long focused on logistics innovation, supply chain processes and automation. During his time at BMW, he established a logistics innovation lab and the startup idealworks, through which BMW also entered the field of autonomous logistics robots. Today, he serves as CEO of NOYES Technologies, a company developing flexible and cost-efficient robotic warehouse solutions for industrial and e-commerce businesses.

Marco’s personal mission is to help others move towards high-tech logistics. That is also why, after several years, he will return to the stage of our conference and present together with Christoph Scheufler from Magna Exteriors. Together, they will present a real-life case study of an automated bumper picking process at the Meerane plant, where a modular goods-to-person solution with mobile robots significantly accelerated picking processes, reduced error rates and saved warehouse space.

AI in Operations: Hype vs. Measurable Value

Safran is an international high-technology group operating in the aviation defence and space markets. As the world’s third-largest aerospace player, Safran provides breakthrough technologies, advanced manufacturing and innovation roadmaps to maintain environmental priorities and its industrial performance. One of these top three areas of innovation where Safran steps up with a framework is the digital transformation, from design and production to customer services, to drive performance and quality in all their activities.

Bindioa is an industrial and engineering lead with over a decade of experience in engineering in central and western Europe. He has demonstrated results in new product introduction, design for manufacturing and associated processes, the design of automated lines, industry 4.0 and production transfers.

During the panel discussion, they will share their experiences with implementing artificial intelligence in logistics and manufacturing.

AI in Operations: Hype vs. Measurable Value

Pavel Boháč is the CEO of the consulting and technology company Aimtec, which supports manufacturing and logistics businesses on their journey of digital transformation. He has been with Aimtec since 2013 and led the Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS) division from 2016. Since July 2024, he has taken on the role of CEO. His vision focuses on strengthening innovation, expanding cooperation with corporate clients, and growing Aimtec’s presence in key international markets — all while preserving the strong company culture that defines Aimtec’s identity.

Pavel will lead a panel discussion focused on the practical applications of artificial intelligence.

From Process Digitalisation to Digital Decision-Making

Digitalisation of processes has brought companies speed, accuracy, and reliability. But it has also delivered something even more valuable – data. And today, data is unlocking an entirely new layer of possibilities. In the past, the question was simple: how much can digitalisation improve my process? Today, the gap is widening far beyond that. Automation, simulation, emulation, AI, and mathematical solvers are no longer just additional tools – they enable truly transformative changes in how logistics is designed, tested, and managed. And they all share one essential prerequisite: the availability of high-quality digital data.

In his opening keynote, Rostislav will demonstrate where this new frontier lies and what opportunities are opening up for companies that are ready to embrace it.

Rostislav serves as Supply Chain Solutions Director at Aimtec and is also a member of the company’s Board of Directors. He was involved in the creation of the Aimtec DCIx system and continues to lead the team implementing digitalisation and automation projects in logistics and manufacturing around the world. He focuses on emerging trends, which he also drives into the ongoing development of the product to ensure maximum value for customers while respecting their long-term direction and future development.

From Concept to Operations: How to Deliver a Successful Automation Project

Libor Mihalka is the founder of LogTech, a Czech company specializing in automation and system integration of logistics processes. With more than 20 years of experience in logistics and automation, he has contributed to numerous projects involving robotic systems, miniload warehouses, and express delivery solutions. LogTech collaborates with leading technology partners such as Aimtec or Logio and actively participates in expert discussions on the future of logistics and automation.

You can look forward to seeing him in the panel discussion From Concept to Operations: How to Deliver a Successful Automation Project at the conference.

AI in Logistics and Manufacturing: Hype vs. Measurable Value

Haresh Solanki serves as the Global Director in the Digital Transformation Office at Inteva Products, where he leads global initiatives focused on AI, intelligent automation, and Smart Manufacturing Solutions. He has long been dedicated to the digital transformation of manufacturing and logistics processes, advocating for the responsible use of AI and large-scale innovation.

Inteva Products is a leading global automotive supplier focused on developing innovative interior systems, closure systems, motors, electronics, and trim components. Operating across multiple continents, the company employs approximately 12,000 people in 37 facilities worldwide, supporting over a hundred automotive customers with a focus on innovation, quality, and sustainability.

In the panel discussion AI in Logistics and Manufacturing: Hype vs. Measurable Value, he will offer insights into how companies approach AI in a global manufacturing environment, where technologies are actually delivering measurable value today, and where, conversely, expectations still outpace reality.

From Concept to Operations: How to Deliver a Successful Automation Project

Roman Černohous leads the team focused on the automation of logistics and warehouse processes at Logio. He has long been dedicated to the design and implementation of automated warehouses and projects that connect data-driven decision-making with practical execution in manufacturing and distribution operations.

In his work, he focuses on ensuring that automation is not just a technological vision, but above all a functional solution with measurable results. For more than 20 years, Logio has been helping manufacturing, automotive, and retail companies optimize their supply chain, logistics, and production through a combination of consulting and proprietary software.

At the TAL 2026 conference, Roman will participate in the panel discussion From Intent to Operation: How to Build a Successful Automation Project, where he will offer a practical perspective on the preparation and implementation of automation projects.