Production line performance is inseparable from the skill of the people who keep it moving. Yet too often, the practical shop floor knowledge that helps operators solve small problems before they become major disruptions never makes it beyond the line. Between operator and owner, manager and technician, valuable insight can be lost — taking with it opportunities to prevent downtime, improve efficiency and strengthen day-to-day performance.
For manufacturers of any size, capturing and preserving this hard-earned knowledge should be a strategic priority. Built over decades of experience, shop floor know-how has long been difficult to document and transfer in ways that are useful, scalable and lasting. Today, AI is creating a new path forward.
Join Peerox, a Fraunhofer GmbH spinoff specializing in AI solutions that preserve shop floor knowledge, for a discussion on a new approach to knowledge management in manufacturing, one that can boost productivity while helping companies navigate workforce fluctuation and demographic change.
This event will feature roundtable discussions on the value of shop floor knowledge, the culture required to share it effectively, and the responsible implementation of AI with organizational buy-in.
Agenda
8:30 AM Registration / Light Breakfast
9:00 AM Program Begins
– Introductions
– Roundtable Discussion
– Panel Discussion
12:00 PM – Morning session concludes
12:00 PM – 12:45 Networking
1:00 – 3:00 PM Optional Workshop
Speakers
David Bertram
Business Development Manager, Fraunhofer USA, Inc., Center Midwest
David Bertram joined Fraunhofer USA Center Midwest (CMW) as the new Business Development Manager in March of 2026. He brings more than 25 years of experience in government relations, economic development, strategic policy and communications. Throughout his career he has worked closely with elected officials, industry leaders and research institutions to advance initiatives across various sectors, including advanced manufacturing, mobility, energy, healthcare, environment, advanced technology, workforce development, entrepreneurship and higher education. He spent 14 years at Michigan State University (2011-2025), serving as the Associate Vice President for Government Relations for more than 10 years and most recently as the Director of Economic Development in the MSU College of Engineering.
With deep experience connecting public policy, research, and industry, David is working to expand opportunities for collaboration and strengthen pathways for innovation and economic growth at Fraunhofer USA.
During his time at MSU, David worked with the executive leadership in the College of Engineering to grow economic development opportunities at the state, national and global level. He focused on new program opportunities for research with industry including public-private partnerships and using government channels while building on existing programs in the college. Previously, he led the government relations effort for the Michigan Townships Association as the Legislative Director for more than 14 years, worked as a legislative liaison in the Executive Office in Michigan and earned a Bachelor of Political Science degree from Lake Superior State University
Markus Windisch
CTO & Founder, Peerox
After studying electrical engineering at Dresden University of Technology and the University of Calgary (Canada), Markus Windisch headed the “Sensor and Process Measurement Technology” working group at the Institute of Electromechanical and Electronic Design at TUD for six years. In November 2016, he moved to the Fraunhofer IVV Dresden and worked in the “Industrial Cleaning Technologies” group, focusing on measurement technology and process control. In his role as head of the “Industrial Component Cleaning” team, which was founded at the end of 2017, he was also responsible for expanding the research field of digitalization through system-oriented research projects and industrial services. In July 2019, Mr. Windisch founded Peerox GmbH with his colleague Andre Schult and has since been responsible for the development of the AI-based knowledge management software MADDOX as CTO.