MobilKreis conference
Following a successful launch last year, we are hosting the 2nd MobilKreis Conference in Dortmund on September 23 and 24, 2025. This year's theme is "Shaping the circular economy together: innovations between science and practice“. The conference is a platform for exchanging experiences, gathering valuable suggestions, developing new ideas, and engaging in interesting discussions. You can expect presentations, workshops, and keynote speeches that will provide inspiration for a sustainable future. Topics include the optimization of dismantling processes, the reuse of automotive components, information exchange in circular production networks, intelligent and variable process planning, and many more.
We look forward to your participation!
Key Facts
- When: 23 - 24 September 2025
- Where: Dortmund Technical University, Seminar Room Building 1 (SRG1), Friedrich Wöhler Weg 6
- Objective: Make innovations in the circular economy accessible to the general public
- Primary language: German, Secondary language: English
- Address of the evening event: Brauturm in the Dortmunder U, Leonie-Reygers-Terrasse, 44137 Dortmund
- Program: PDF (as of 15.09.2025) or further down the page
The conference places a strong focus on practice-orientated approaches. The aim is to prepare scientific findings and research results in such a way that they are understandable and accessible to the general public. The papers. to be prepared and the presentations .at the conference should fulfil the following criteria:
- Expressiveness: The content of the papers and presentations should be clear and concise. Complex research results are presented in an understandable way in order to offer readers and listeners added value.
- Public accessibility: The papers and presentations will not only be made available to conference participants, but also to the general public on the MobilKreis Hub (https://hub.mobilkreis.de/). This enables an additional and long-lasting transfer of knowledge beyond the conference.
General conditions:
- Contributions: Paper with 4 - 10 pages of text (references and biographies excluded) or corporate strategies related to circular economy
- Language: Conference language is German, submissions in English are also possible
- Focus: Practical transfer of results based on scientific findings from your project or company
- Template: Word-Template (download)
Time course:
- Deadline for the contribution (Word und PDF): Extended until 13.06.2025, to benjamin.koch@mb.tu-chemnitz.de
- Feedback on the article: 04.07.2025
- Submission of the revised contribution: 28.07.2025
- Deadline for the presentation (PowerPoint + PDF): 09.09.2025, also to benjamin.koch@mb.tu-chemnitz.de
Additional notes:
- Both the contribution and the presentation will be published on the MobilKreis Hub, please note any confidentiality agreements with your partners.
- The contribution can have more depth than the presentation, but the presentation should be meaningful on its own (e.g. on the MobilKreis Hub).
- The paper and presentation should be prepared in such a way that they can also be understood by non-scientists.
- For the practical transfer of results, it is advisable to derive concrete basic ideas and recommendations for action for companies - especially SMEs.
We look forward to a lively exchange and a successful event!
Maps and Directions:
Hotel recommendations:
| Name | Address | Distance to the conference venue | Price per night (as of 28.07.2025) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Courtyard Dortmund | Emil-Figge-Str. 41 | 1,5 km (Auto: 4 min, Bahn: 14 min) | 120 €/night (own website) |
| Dorint an den Westfalenhallen | Lindemannstr. 88 | 4,8 km (Auto: 7 min, Bahn: 39 min) | 128 €/night (Booking.com) |
| Steigenberger Hotel Dortmund | Berswordtstr. 2 | 4,8 km (Auto: 7 min, Bahn: 38 min) | 99 €/night (Expedia) |
| Mercure Hotel Dortmund Messe | Strobelallee 41 | 4,8 km (Auto: 7 min, Bahn: 41 min) | 146 €/night (Booking.com) |
| Radisson Blu Hotel | An der Buschmuehle 1 | 6,4 km (Auto: 9 min, Bahn: 65 min) | 184 €/night (Booking.com) |
| Ringhotel Drees | Hohe Str. 107 | 5,0 km (Auto: 8 min, Bahn: 35 min) | 136 €/night (Booking.com) |
| Weigels Bed and Breakfast | Karl-Lieberknecht-Str. 3 | 6,5 km (Auto: 9 min, Bahn: 60 min) | 79 €/night (eigene Website) |
| Hotel NeuHaus Integrations | Agnes-Neuhaus-Str. 5 | 5,0 km (Auto: 12 min, Bahn: 35 min) | 68 €/night (Booking.com) |
| BRIGHT Dortmund City Center | Südwall 17-19 | 6,2 km (Auto: 11 min, Bahn: 32 min) | 96 €/night (Check24) |
Places
PHOENIX West: Former steelworks site with impressive blast furnace backdrop. Pure industrial culture to arrive at. A short walk between the gas blower hall and blast furnaces, and if you like, you can then stop off at the Bergmann-Stehbierhalle (industrial atmosphere, relaxed after-work beer, daily changing menu) or watch the immersive light shows at Phoenix des Lumières. Stop: Dortmund-Hörde (RE57, RB53, RB59, U41 towards Clarenberg), then: PHOENIX Platz (451 towards PHOENIX Park, 445 towards Technologiezentrum)
Phoenix See/Promenade: Walk along the waterfront promenade (approx. 3 km circular route), cafés/ice cream parlors, and beautiful evening atmosphere by the water. Ideal for arriving. Stop: Dortmund-Hörde (RE57, RB53, RB59, U41 towards Clarenberg), then: PHOENIX Platz (451 towards PHOENIX Park, 445 towards Technologiezentrum)
Westfalenpark: Large city park with rose garden and plenty of space to breathe deeply (admission required). Note: The viewing platform at the Florianturm tower is usually closed on Mondays. Stop: Westfalenpark (U45 towards Westfalenhallen, U49 towards Hacheney))
Westfalen Stadium (SIGNAL IDUNA PARK): Germany's largest soccer stadium is a thrilling place to visit even when there is no game on. There are some great photo spots around the south stand and Strobelallee. You can also take a stadium tour and visit the BORUSSEUM (tickets can be purchased online or on site, opening hours 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.). In the evening, the arena is often lit up to create a special atmosphere. This can be easily combined with a short detour to Westfalenpark. Stops: Westfalenhallen (U45 (towards Westfalenhallen), U46 (towards Westfalenhallen), DO-Signal-Iduna-Park (RB53, RB59, RB52), Theodor-Fliedner-Heim (U42 towards Hombruch)
Dortmunder U: Landmark of the city with the illuminated “U.” Five minutes from the main train station. Perfect for a quick stop and photos. The interior is usually closed on Mondays, but the exterior, the animated screens, and the street art in the surrounding Unionviertel district are worth seeing at any time. Ideal as a start/finish point for a short urban walk. Stops: Dortmunder U, Westentor (U42, U43, U44, 452)
Port of Dortmund: Industrial backdrop on the Dortmund-Ems Canal: cranes, quays, and ships. Perfect for a short evening stroll with photo stops. A creative quarter is emerging around Speicherstraße. At the Umschlagplatz, for example (4-10 p.m.), there are (seasonal) relaxed drinks, deck chairs, and small events right on the water. Tip: Take a stroll along the quay and watch the sun set over the canal. Stop: Hafen (U47 towards Westerfilde)
Activities
Urban Walk: Start at Rheinische Straße with street art around the Dortmunder U. Then continue into the trendy district with its many kiosks, bars, and small bistros. Everything is within walking distance, urban, and lively. Ideal for a leisurely after-work stroll with a quick stop for refreshments. Around Möllerbrücke, Kreuzstraße, and Vinckeplatz, there are rows of bistros, pubs, and small restaurants: from pizza/pasta to Ukrainian, often with vegetarian/vegan options. Many establishments have outdoor terraces and are ideal for a relaxed evening out with short distances to cover. Monday evenings are usually quieter: first dinner, then on to a delicious beer (e.g., BUDE116EINHALB) or a wine/cocktail bar (e.g., LUUPS). Stops: Möllerbrücke (S4, U42, 453), Kreuzstraße (U42, 452, 453), Saarlandstraße (U46, 452, 453)
Phoenix des Lumières: Immersive light exhibitions in an industrial setting, visually striking and weather-independent. Exhibitions on September 22: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. In the Realm of the Pharaohs: An immersive journey into Ancient Egypt, 1:15 p.m. to 5 p.m.: Asterix & Obelix: An immersive adventure. Open on Mondays during the day, it is best to reserve a time slot for the day. A great addition to a trip to Phönix West. Stop: Dortmund-Hörde (RE57, RB53, RB59, U41 towards Clarenberg), then: PHOENIX Platz (451 towards PHOENIX Park, 445 towards Technologiezentrum).
DASA Working World Exhibition: Large, interactive exhibition on work, technology, and safety. Currently featuring an additional studio exhibition on work and its consequences: 100 years of occupational diseases. Vivid and varied. Open on Mondays and good for 2-3 hours. Stops: Dortmund-Dorstfeld Süd (S1), Dortmund University (S1, 371, 445, 447, 462, X13, 465, H-Bahn), Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (447)
Gastronomy
Bergmann Beer Hall (Phoenix West): Cult beer in an industrial setting: uncomplicated, honest, typical Ruhr Valley. Small menu with regional classics (including vegetarian options), plus a great atmosphere. Perfect for a relaxed after-work beer following a stroll through the area. Stop: Dortmund-Hörde (RE57, RB53, RB59, U41 towards Clarenberg), then: PHOENIX Platz (451 towards PHOENIX Park, 445 towards Technologiezentrum)
HÖVELS Home Brewery: Traditional brewery just a few minutes from the Old Market Square; home-brewed beer and down-to-earth cuisine. Large dining area, often with a beer garden atmosphere. Stops: Westentor (U42, U43, U44, 452), Kampstraße (U41, U43, U44, U45, U47, U49)
Zum Alten Markt: A classic in a historic location. Westphalian cuisine and a solid selection of beers. A good option if you want to experience “pure Dortmund.” Central, uncomplicated, ideal for mixed groups. Stops: Reinoldikirche (U42, U43, U44, U46, 460)
| 8:30 - 9:00 | Registration & coffee |
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| 9:00 - 10:00 | Welcome and keynote speech Prof. Dr.-Ing. habil. Boris Otto, TU Dortmund und Fraunhofer ISST Room: H.001 |
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| 10:00 - 11:00 | Keynote Univ.-Prof. Dr.-Ing. Thomas von Unwerth, TU Chemnitz / Institut für Automobilforschung Room: H.001 |
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| 11:00 - 11:30 | Demonstrator Presentation MobilKreis projects Room: H.001 |
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| 11:30 - 12:30 | Tour of the demonstrators Room: 1.004 |
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| 12:30 - 13:30 | Lunch break Room: Next to 1.001 |
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| 13:30 - 15:00 | Paper Session: Digitization, Data Management, and Data Ecosystems Room: 1.001 |
Paper Session: Life Cycle Assessment & Circular Transformation Room: 2.008 |
The circular economy made tangible: the basic workshop Room: 1.004 |
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| 13:30 - 14:00 | Data and information exchange for a circular economy in the automotive industry (Linda Sagnier, ZirkulEA, KIT) |
Sustainability in focus – How to create environmentally friendly designs for technologically complex products such as automotive headlights (Felix Siems, Nalyses, Fraunhofer IEM) |
The workshop teaches the basics of the circular economy and the analysis of component durability using vehicle data and simulation. |
| 14:00 - 14:30 | Platform approach to EaaS integration in adaptable production systems (Viktor Schubert, Frank Breitenbach, Ali Moghadamm, AutoPilot, RWTH Aachen, Seeburger, EDAG) |
Between systemic change and self-deception: Four theses on the ambivalence of the circular economy (Yannick Gehlen, TU Darmstadt) |
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| 14:30 - 15:00 | Are data and AI really the key to sustainable mobility? (Jens Ziehn, DAKIMO, Fraunhofer IOSB) |
Modeling language for visualizing circular value creation (Julia Vehmeyer, ZirkuPro, Heinz Nixdorf Institut) |
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| 15:00 - 15:15 | Coffee break | ||
| 15:15 - 16:45 | Paper Session: Recyclable Production & Operating Resources Room: 1.001 |
Paper Session: Battery Systems Room: 2.008 |
Valuable cycles: Designing business models for the circular economy Room: 1.005 |
| 15:15 - 15:45 | Sustainable automotive production through recyclable operating materials (Marc-André Weismüller, Sven Eichhorn, AutoPilot, RWTH Aachen, Ligenium) |
From regulations to practice: Modern safety concepts for the storage of lithium-ion batteries (Max Plotnikov, InnoLogBat, Fraunhofer IML) |
The workshop provides practical examples of how business processes and digital methods can contribute to sustainable value creation in the circular economy. |
| 15:45 - 16:15 | Basis and framework conditions for scaling equipment-as-a-service models in automotive production (Marc-André Weismüller, Alexander Sorgenicht, AutoPilot, RWTH Aachen, Capgemini) |
Dismantling and reuse strategies for traction battery storage systems (Dennis Mahlstedt, EKODA, FFT Produktionssysteme GmbH & Co. KG) |
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| 16:15 - 16:45 | Saxon Research Center CircEcon for Circular Economy (Steve Sockol, CircEcon, TU Chemnitz) |
Recycling of battery components (Sandra Boekhoff, ZIRKEL, TU Braunschweig) |
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| from 18:00 | Evening program: Networking & Gala Dinner Room: Brauturm im Dortmunder U, Leonie-Reygers-Terrasse, 44137 Dortmund |
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| 9:30 - 10:00 | Registration & coffee |
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| 10:00 - 11:00 | Keynote Prof. Dr. Barbara Dinter, TU Chemnitz Dipl.-Ing. (FH) Jörg Witthöft, ZF Group Room: H.001 |
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| 11:00 - 13:00 | Paper Session: Reprocessing, recycling, and acceptance among stakeholders Room: 1.001 |
Paper Session: Automated, flexible disassembly Room: 2.008 |
Value creation in the circular economy: business processes and digital technologies Room: 1.005 |
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| 11:00 - 11:30 | Recycling of used conveyor chains made of POM in line with the principles of a circular economy (Jens Sumpf, TU Chemnitz) |
Automatisierte Demontage von elektrischen Antriebsaggregaten (Sven Birkenfeld, ZirkulEA, TU Clausthal) |
The workshop demonstrates how business processes and digital methods can contribute to sustainable value creation in the circular economy. |
| 11:30 - 12:00 | Remanufacturing through data-driven decision-making and intelligent process planning (Jonas Zielinski, EREP, ModuleWorks GmbH) |
Possible future strategy for automotive production – potential for reusing automotive components (Frank Riedel, EKODA, Fraunhofer IWU) |
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| 12:00 - 12:30 | The automotive industry in the context of the circular economy – stakeholder survey on implications in the EKODA project (Jonathan Gaier, EKODA, Fraunhofer Umsicht) |
Recycling of a steering gear component using a forming process chain to establish a circular economy in automotive production (Moritz Hoffmann, EKODA, Robert Bosch GmbH) |
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| 12:30 - 13:00 | Shaping cooperation in the circular economy: formats for exchange and collaboration in the OHLF lab (Maischa Weber, TU Braunschweig) |
Circular engineering: A framework for assessing and enabling circular product development (Sven Winter, :em engineering methods AG) |
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| 13:00 - 13:30 | Lunch break Room: Next to 1.001 |
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| 13:30 - 15:00 | Final presentations MobilKreis projects Room: H.001 |
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| 13:30 – 14:00 | Zirkulea | ||
| 14:00 – 14:30 | Ekoda | ||
| 14:30 – 15:00 | Autopilot | ||
| 15:00 - 15:15 | Coffee break | ||
| from 15:15 | Final presentations MobilKreis projects Room: H.001 |
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| 15:15 - 15:45 | Nalyses | ||
| 15:45 - 16:15 | Erep | ||
| 16:15 - 16:45 | Zirkel | ||
| 16:45 - 17:15 | Dakimo | ||
| 17:15 - 17:45 | Innologbat | ||
| 17:45 – 18:15 | DIONA closing speech and final remarks Room: H.001 |
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