Conference Program
The preliminary program can be downloaded as PDF from the link: etfa2026.ieee-ies.org/pdf/ETFA2026_Program.pdf.
Keynote Speakers
ABB Corporate Research
Sweden
Scania
Sweden
Ericsson and KTH
Sweden
Wednesday, 9 September, 09:30
Future Process Automation: Transforming the Industry Through AI and Autonomy
Alf Isaksson
ABB AB, Corporate Research, Västerås, Sweden
Abstract:
Process automation encompasses far more than control alone—it integrates control systems, digitalization, AI, and operational intelligence to drive smart manufacturing. Half a century after the introduction of microcomputer-based controllers, we stand at a pivotal moment to reflect on the evolution of process automation and speculate about its future. The journey from early distributed control systems (DCS) and PID controllers to advanced linear model predictive control (MPC) in the petrochemical industry has been transformative. Today, the convergence of AI, cloud computing, edge processing, and advanced sensor technology is reshaping how we approach manufacturing and process automation. This evolution extends beyond traditional control to encompass entire ecosystem integration: predictive maintenance, real-time optimization, supply chain management, and autonomous decision-making. This talk will explore industrial automation systems with emphasis on the technological and societal drivers accelerating change over the next decade. Key drivers include workforce challenges from aging populations, increasing system complexity demanding autonomous solutions, rapid AI advancement, expanded computing infrastructure, and cost-effective sensor technologies. We will discuss how automation and control integrate within broader digitalization strategies, the emerging role of AI-based decision systems, and how the human operators and control engineers will still remain essential parts of intelligent, adaptive manufacturing systems.
Thursday, 10 September, 11:00
Industrial Challenges for Factory Automation
Anna Davidsson
Senior Manager Research and External Cooperation, Scania, Sweden
Abstract:
In this keynote, Anna Davidsson will give insights to the strategic importance of sustainable industrial practices and the role of collaborative innovation in advancing these goals. The presentation will highlight the need for a flexible production system to handle the broader product range and more uncertain production conditions that the strategic intent brings. Many possible answers are to be found in the digital transformation towards a Smart Factory. Anna Davidsson will also highlight the unique advantages of Sweden’s Triple Helix model, which fosters collaboration between industry, academia, and the public sector. The keynote will also cover examples of research projects within the fields of Production and Logistics that has a significant impact on Scania.
Friday, 11 September, 11:00
Building Trust in AI and Digital Transformation: Challenges and Opportunities
Rafia Inam
Sector Manager – Trustworthy AI, Ericsson, Sweden
Adjunct Professor, KTH, Sweden
Abstract:
As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly embedded in intelligent systems, business processes, and autonomous decision-making, building trust in AI is essential across industries. The adoption of AI introduces new risks and necessitates countermeasures. Governments, companies, and regulatory bodies worldwide are recognizing the need for trustworthy AI systems.
The talk will discuss the importance of the evolving AI regulatory and standardization landscape and its impacts; and discusses its challenges such as the need to balance innovation with compliance, accuracy with explainability, and performance with transparency. This talk further explores the challenges, and opportunities in building trust throughout the AI lifecycle, with a particular focus on explainability at both model and system levels to support validation, human oversight, monitoring, and responsible autonomous decision-making thru Telecom examples.
Program overview
