VDI meets ITK:
Rail. Industry. Future
24 – 25 September 2025 | Event | Berlin
“Software in focus: AI and automation
as innovation drivers for the rail system”
With the event motto “Software in focus: AI and automation as innovation drivers for the rail system”, you can expect a varied program:
- Inspiring keynotes, including the award-winning digital strategist Maks Giordano and Prof. Raphael Pfaff, Institute for Rail Vehicles and Transport Systems (IFS) at RWTH Aachen University.
- Hands-on deep dives into everyday development and innovative approaches at first hand.
- Interactive talks and exciting showcases that demonstrate how AI and automation are revolutionizing everyday life in rail projects.
- Extensive networking with leading experts and strategists from the rail and IT industry.
We look forward to welcoming you in person in Berlin and shaping the future of rail together. Our agenda and further information will follow shortly.
Maks Giordano
Keynote: “Next Stop: The future – from steam to data in the age of AI”
Maks Giordano began his career in the 1990s at ID Media, contributing to the social network “Cycosmos.” In 2000, he joined MetaDesign AG as Head of Digital, working on mobile projects like NTT DoCoMo’s iMode. In 2003, he founded Iconmobile Group, developing mobile ad solutions for Microsoft and BMW. After WPP’s acquisition in 2007, he led innovation at ProSiebenSat.1. At Kyte, he shaped digital video strategies for CNN & Universal Music. Since 2010, he has supported companies in digital transformation with juuman’okudo. He is a mentor, university lecturer, and juror for the Lovies and Webby Awards.
Wednesday, September 24, 2025 at 5:45 pm
Prof. Dr. Raphael Pfaff
Keynote: “Nobody wants to work anymore? Future security through automation”
Prof. Dr. Raphael Pfaff began his career with an apprenticeship as a carpenter, followed by a dual study program in mechanical engineering (FH) and toolmaking. He also earned degrees in Mathematics (BSc) and Control Engineering (MSc). His PhD focused on causality in modeling and control. After working as a system engineer at Siemens and Faiveley Transport, he led the coupling design department at Faiveley. In 2014, he became a professor for railway vehicles at FH Aachen. In 2025, he assumed the Chair of Railway Vehicles at RWTH Aachen, driving innovative research in rail technology.
Thursday, September 25, 2025 at 9:30 am
Our lectures
From the digital St. Andrew’s Cross to digital planning – IT methods in railway technology
Prof. Andreas Polze
Professor Operating Systems and Middleware Group | Hasso-Plattner-Institut
AI-assisted engineering – Generative AI in system and software engineering in practice
Dr. Dominik Holling
Senior Expert SysDevOps | ITK Engineering GmbH
KB LEADER – Digital empowered energy saving and a step towards ATO
Martin Ertl
Vice President Innovation, Portfolio Management & Digital Products | Knorr-Bremse AG
Data-based maintenance with digital twins – current developments and challenges
Dr. Markus Tesar
Senior Consultant Digitalization Engineering | DB Fernverkehr AG
Smart sensor networks for predictive maintenance
Philipp Kersten
Academic assistant in the Department of Technology in the “InNoWest” and “ProTHB” projects
Predictive instead of reactive – With AI to smart maintenance
Mirko Leiste
Project Manager Technical Innovations | VTG GmbH
Self-learning rail head conditioning – a measure to reduce noise and wear on rail vehicles
Dr. Felix Saur
Senior Consultant | Prose GmbH
