9th international VDI conference ‘Powertrain Systems in Mobile Machines’

Innovation in Mobile Machines: Powerful and sustainable drive systems for today and tomorrow

Drive solutions for mobile machinery need to support near-emission-free operation, be resilient, easy to repair, and long-lasting, integrate smoothly into the machine’s cyber-physical system, and remain cost-effective. These are some of the key requirements and drivers behind current developments in drive systems.

Which solutions are proving successful in practice? Where do conventional approaches remain valid, and in which applications are electric or hydrogen-based drives the better option? How can economic efficiency be ensured? These are some of the pressing questions we will address at the 9th VDI Conference Powertrain Systems in Mobile Machines.

To shed light on these challenges, we are now looking for experts and practitioners to contribute as speakers.

 

Conference insights & key information: Discover what happens at the VDI conference 

Electrification, hydrogen, and new machinery concepts are shaping the current development of powertrain technology for mobile machines. The focus is on the technical and economic suitability of different solutions under real-world operating conditions, as well as the limits and potential of existing concepts.

The 9th VDI Conference on Powertrain Systems in Mobile Machines 2026 provides a practical perspective on key issues related to electric off-highway machines, alternative drive systems, the integration of charging and battery swapping concepts, and development approaches comparing “Purpose Design” with “Conversion Design.”

Main topics of discussion of the VDI symposium "Drive Systems in Mobile Machines" will be in 2026:

• Zero emmission concept for mobile machine solutions
• Innovative solutions for process and traction drives
• Combined and co-existing drivetrain concept
• Electrtice drivetrain concept: Charging infrastructure, battery modules, thermal management
• Field Experience: Power supply, infrastructure, machine design
   

Leading companies and institutes will present new solutions

The conference is a great international channel for the transfer of knowledge and technology knowhow in the commercial vehicle sector. 

Speakers from these companies give a valuable insight into current challenges and opportunities in the mobile machinery industry:

AGCO Fendt • Allison Off-Highway Drive and Motion Systems • Antriebstechnik-Roth • AVL Commercial Driveline & Vehicle • AVL List • Bauer Maschinen • Bosch Engineering • CLAAS • FEV Europe • Fraunhofer-Institut für Verkehrs-und Infrastruktursysteme IVI • Goldhofer • ika, RWTH Aachen University • IMN, Technische Universität Braunschweig • John Deere • KREISEL Electric • Liebherr Energy Solutions • Liebherr-Mining Equipment Colmar • Müller Landmaschinen • raumideen | ONOX • Yanmar Holdings
 

Grand opening – A spotlight at the conference keynote:

A highlight at the conference will be the keynote speech by Dr.-Ing. Udo Scheff, President, KREISEL Electric GmbH, Rainbach i.M., Austria. He is addressing the topic

• “Powering progress – Electrification as a catalyst for sustainable mobile machinery”. 

As part of the joint overall congress opening with the Dritev, you will learn more about the electrification of mobile machinery and how this technological transformation enables sustainable and high-performance solutions in the agricultural, construction, and maritime industries. The focus will be on how we can shape the future.

As an additional benefit, the joint evening event allows participants to network informally, engage in personal exchange, and gain fresh insights beyond the professional program.

Don't miss out on this concentrated knowledge and join your colleagues for exchange in Baden-Baden on June 30 and July 1, 2026

Boost your expertise with pre-conference workshops

Artificial intelligence is shaping the future- including in mobile machinery sector. By getting hands-on knowledge early, you gain a decisive competitive advantage. That’s why we recommend the preceding one-day seminar “Understanding and Applying AI – Fundamentals for Cost Reduction and Process Efficiency / KI verstehen und anwenden – Grundlagen für Kosteneinsparung und Prozesseffizienz“ (29. Juni 2026). 

The workshop must be booked separately and is only offered in German language. Take advantage of discounted combination rates when booking the seminar together with the conference.

Register now & secure your spot at the VDI Conference „Powertrain Systems in Mobile Machinery“!

Curious which powertrain concepts will truly drive the mobile machinery of tomorrow – electrification, hydrogen, or smart hybrid solutions?

Benefit from hands-on presentations, engaging technical talks, and valuable networking opportunities with leading industry experts.

Register today and take advantage of the early-bird discount!