Joining Smart Technologies puts spotlight on sustainability and new technologies in joining technology
On May 20 and 21, 2026, the Fronius site in Sattledt will be the center of the action for experts in joining technology working in the automotive industry. The international automotive conference will focus on the diverse requirements of the industry—from sustainability, to economic and political factors, through to the possibilities that artificial intelligence can open up in connection with joining processes.
The eighth edition of Joining Smart Technologies is being chaired by Florian Oefele (BMW AG) and Daniel Rudolph (Audi AG). Joined by prestigious speakers from Lincoln, Trumpf, Fronius, Lufthansa Technik, the Fraunhofer Institute, and other well-known companies, they will offer insights into topics such as sustainability, the outlook for international companies, artificial intelligence, and auto body construction from a wide variety of perspectives. Questions on the agenda include: How can international companies in the automotive industry make their production plants successful across different regions given all the political, social, and economic challenges they currently face? What carbon footprint do the different joining technologies have, and what prospects are there for a circular economy in joining processes in the automotive industry? What impact are new technologies, such as AI, having on joining technology?
These interesting and stimulating lectures from the automotive and supplier industry will be the key events at the conference, with selected talks from contributors outside the industry rounding off the agenda. One of them is Thomas Gremsl from Graz University, who will be taking a look at the bigger picture with the topic of “Artificial intelligence and ethics”.
Key focus: Knowledge sharing and discussion
Since 2008, Joining Smart Technologies has been regarded as a unique platform for knowledge sharing within the international automotive and supplier industry—and Fronius has been there right from the start. “Close customer relationships and links within the automotive industry are essential. The input we get from events like Joining Smart Technologies is incorporated directly in our innovative products in the form of requirements and customer needs. So we’re extra excited to have this high-caliber conference back at our company for another edition,” says Harald Scherleitner, CSO of Fronius International GmbH.
Registration for Joining Smart Technologies is now open, and early birds can take advantage of discounted fees until the end of March. Professionals from the automotive and supplier industry, the general industrial sector, and commercial transportation are welcome to attend, along with anyone who is interested. Students are also warmly invited and benefit from discounted ticket prices. The agenda and registration information can be found on the conference website: https://joining-smart-technologies.com/en/jst-2026
We are Fronius.
Around 6,700 employees worldwide at the end of 2024, a current export share of 90 percent, and 1,752 active patents: that’s us, that’s Fronius. Founded in 1945 as a regional one-man operation, we are now a global industrial company—a fact that is impressively demonstrated by our 37 international subsidiaries and our network of sales partners in more than 60 countries. And yet, at heart, we are still a family-owned company from Austria working in the electrical and electronics industry. Fronius Welding continues to revolutionize welding technology, while Fronius Solar & Energy focuses on making the best possible use of solar energy and optimizing battery charging systems for intralogistics. For 80 years, we have kept our sights set on the same clear goal: Researching electricity and making efficient use of this fuel of the future. We develop products and solutions for a future worth living in, offering our customers an all-in-one package extending from advance planning and consulting to ongoing monitoring and a repair service tailored to their specific needs. We are innovative. We are curious. We are Fronius.
Welding Solutions.
Maximum arc quality, a deep understanding of our customers, a thirst for technical progress: We are the innovation leader for arc welding and the global market leader for robot-assisted welding. Our customized, automated complete systems and digital welding solutions for Industry 5.0 are the product of our expertise. Intuitive welding systems for manual welding applications, high-quality welding accessories, and effective protective products to keep users safe round off our portfolio. As a global company, we offer regional service through local teams who are on hand for our customers around the world. Our technologies break new ground and form connections – between metals, industries, and people.