About this Event
Robots do not have to resemble humans. Nor they have to work in factories. Mobile robots also enable new forms of mobility and logistics that sit between familiar transport systems such as trains, cars, trucks, or bicycles. They open up new ways for us to move. Autonomously controlled, they make new ways of transporting goods and tools possible.
Technology opens up possibilities. Design makes them negotiable. Together, we want to discuss what future we want to shape with this:
As part of the World Design Capital Frankfurt RheinMain 2026, the Open Design Lab Frankfurt Rhine-Main shows how Hyundai’s global expertise connects with the region’s design and research expertise. The focus is on new mobility concepts respond to societal needs and the role of design as a driver of innovation.
With international guests, workshops, the European premiere of new MobED robotics prototypes, the autonomous mobility concept MARA developed in collaboration with HfG Offenbach the evening allows a firsthand discussion of the mobility of tomorrow.
The Open Design Lab builds a bridge between two World Design Capitals. With locations in Offenbach and Rüsselsheim, Hyundai is firmly rooted in the Frankfurt Rhine-Main region. The Open Design Lab thus offers the opportunity to continue the exchange between Korea and Rhine-Main beyond 2026.
Agenda
🕑: 05:00 PM
Doors Open
🕑: 05:30 PM
Welcome! Design for Democracy in the Age of Robotics
Host: Maximilian Holstein
Info: Maximilian Holstein. Design Innovation & Strategy, Hyundai Design Center Europe, Rüsselsheim - From its origins as a manufacturer to its transformation into a global mobility and technology company, Hyundai has continually expanded its view of progress. Guided by the vision of “Progress for Humanity,” the company explores how design, mobility, and robotics can contribute to society beyond the automobile. The short introduction highlights how design can enable participation, innovation, and positive societal change.
🕑: 05:45 PM
Open Design Lab Perspectives
Host: Juliana Ludwig
Info: Juliana Ludwig, Sabina Bähr, Fraunhofer IAO & Daniel Eyrich, Rudolf-Koch-Schule Offenbach & Daniel F. White, Hyundai: This session reflects on the Young Perspectives Workshop, where teenagers explored how emerging sensing technologies enable robotic systems to perceive and respond to the world in new ways. Combining scientific inquiry and collaborative design, the workshop investigated how these capabilities could help address future societal challenges. The speakers will share selected outcomes as well as key aspects of the methodology used to engage young people in future-oriented innovation.
🕑: 06:15 PM
Between Algorithm and Attention: How Technology Is Changing the Way We Travel
Host: Bruno Scheffler
Info: Bruno Scheffler and Benjamin Straub, Competence Center Design, Deutsche Bahn AG - Software evolves in months, trains accompany us for decades. At the same time, AI, personalization, and digital services are changing travelers’ expectations. The talk spans the arc from the technological development of the IntercityExpress to the digital travel chain and the role of AI in travel. At the center is the question: How much digital perfection do we want, and when do we need genuine human empathy?
🕑: 06:35 PM
Break / Soup
🕑: 07:00 PM
Beyond Boarding: Rethinking the Gate Through Design and Operational Efficiency
Host: Skrolan Kopka
Info: Skrolan Kopka, Leader Strategy and Consulting, Program lead „Gate of the Future”, FraAlliance GmbH
Annika Storch, Product Designer, Co-Founder Immersity Lab GmbH - Why does a modern airport journey so often end in confusion at the gate? Join us as we open the doors to the Gate of the Future, where design, data, and AI meet to create a boarding experience that is efficient behind the scenes and effortless for travelers.
🕑: 07:20 PM
Development and Design Process of MobED: A Human-Centered Approach
Host: Young-jae Kim
Info: Young-jae Kim, Genesis Future Design Team, Hyundai Motor Company, Seoul - Insights into the development of the MobED robotic platform, from early concepts and design decisions to its human-centered approach to future mobility.
🕑: 07:40 PM
Fishbowl
Info: Discussion with speakers and guests on the opportunities and challenges of emerging mobility technologies, the role of design and the human experience of future mobility.
🕑: 08:00 PM
Networking & Live Demonstrations
Info: Live demonstrations of Hyundai’s MobED robotic platform and the MARA autonomous mobility concept.
🕑: 09:00 PM
Doors Close
Info: Programme subject to change. Talks will be held in English. Please note that photographs and video recordings will be taken during this event. These may be used for event documentation and public communications, including websites and social media.
Event venue & nearby stays
Berliner Str. 27, Berliner Straße 27, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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