October 13, 2026
Time
11:30 am - 12:30 pm CEST
Location
Germany
Fireside Chat on Humanoid Robotics in the Semiconductor Industry and Beyond
Will Humanoid Robots Become the Next Transformational Technology on the Factory Floor?
As humanoid robotics moves from experimentation to real-world industrial deployment, European manufacturers and technology leaders are exploring how this emerging technology could reshape factory operations, workforce models, and competitive advantage. To examine both the opportunities and challenges ahead.
This webinar, an initiative of the SEMI Europe E2E Smart Manufacturing community, brings together leading innovators, semiconductor manufacturers, and robotics pioneers for an exclusive Fireside Chat on the future of humanoid robotics.
Building on the success of SEMI's thought leadership series on Smart Manufacturing, this discussion will explore how humanoid robots are evolving from concept to implementation across semiconductor manufacturing and other advanced industries. Industry experts will share perspectives on the strategic importance of humanoids for Europe, lessons from early pilots, promising use cases, and the critical partnerships required to scale adoption.
The conversation will feature executives and technology leaders from some of the most recognized organizations at the forefront of automation, robotics, and semiconductor manufacturing. Through an interactive panel discussion and live audience Q&A, attendees will gain insight into:
- The role Europe can play in the global humanoid robotics ecosystem
- The business case and practical realities of deploying humanoids in industrial environments
- Early pilot experiences, successes, and challenges
- Data, IP, safety, and trust considerations between technology providers and manufacturers
- The path from experimentation to large-scale deployment
- The regulatory and industry frameworks needed to support future adoption
Register today to access exclusive content and engage in the interactive Q&A session.
You will be able to gather insights from industry leaders on innovative applications, best practices and lessons learned to solve your unique challenges.
Attendees are invited to submit questions ahead of time at [email protected] (use smart manufacturing fireside chat in your subject line).
Agenda
Opening Remarks
Laith Altimime, as President of SEMI Europe, leads SEMI’s activities in Europe and the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). Altimime has P&L responsibility as well as ownership of all Europe region programs and events, including SEMICON Europa. He is responsible for establishing industry standards, advocacy, community development, expositions, and programs. He provides support and services to SEMI members worldwide that have supply chain interests in Europe. He manages and nurtures relationships with SEMI members in the region and globally, as well as with local associations and constituents in industry, government, and academia. Altimime has more than 30 years of international experience in the semiconductor industry. Prior to joining SEMI in 2015, He held senior leadership positions at NEC, KLA-Tencor, Infineon, Qimonda, and imec. Altimime holds an MSc from Heriot-Watt University, Scotland.
Humanoids in European Manufacturing - Moderator and Panelists
Giovanni Notarnicola is a Partner at Porsche Consulting and leads the firm's global Semiconductor Practice. With more than 20 years of professional experience, including a background in electronic engineering and early work at CERN, he supports leading semiconductor companies in driving large-scale transformation programs. He is actively engaged in shaping the semiconductor ecosystem, serving as Chairman of a SEMI initiative on end-to-end smart manufacturing, and regularly advising C-level executives across the industry. His work sits at the intersection of industrial engineering and strategic transformation, with a particular focus on how European semiconductor manufacturers can build competitive advantage in an industry increasingly shaped by AI and physical automation.
Howard Tang holds the global role of Factory Robotics Automation Director, specialized in industrial engineering, smart factories, and leveraging data-driven methods to address complex challenges.
Graduated from NTU with Masters from NUS and completed an Executive Development program from SMU.
Works at STMicroelectronics and has previous experiences in ams OSRAM, Infineon, STATS ChipPAC, Global Foundries, and DSTA.
He builds dynamic teams and collaborates across more than 20 factories in Singapore, Malaysia, China, Indonesia, the Philippines, Malta, Italy, France, Germany, Hungary, Morocco, and Mexico.
Special interest in Industry 4.0, leveraging technology in automation, digitalization, and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance productivity and factory efficiency
Dr. André Scholz leads the Autonomous Factory Innovation Department within Siemens AG's Factory Automation business. He oversees the development of modular software technologies designed to accelerate the realization of autonomous manufacturing through digitalization and increased flexibility. His professional focus encompasses artificial intelligence for robotics, autonomous production systems, and the digital transformation of industrial manufacturing. Dr. Scholz earned his Ph.D. in Automation Engineering from Helmut Schmidt University in Hamburg, Germany.
Jens Fabrowsky, an experienced, renowned top manager with an impressive track record at Bosch, joined the NEURA Robotics management team as Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Chief Technical Officer (CTO) on December 1, 2023. His decision to join NEURA Robotics is based on the conviction that the company plays a crucial role in realizing the visions of Industry 4.0 and cognitive robotics. Fabrowsky brings extensive experience in product development and operational leadership, which he is now applying at NEURA Robotics to support the company in its scale-up phase.
His extensive experience in scaling businesses and hands-on mentality make him a valuable addition to NEURA Robotics as the company solidifies its position as a leading cognitive robotics hub in Germany.
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