Digital Night 2026 "Agentic & Physical AI"

Digital Night 2026 offers a compact outlook on the future of physical AI, agentic systems and humanoid robots. Experts discuss opportunities, responsibility and the role of the Winterthur region in the innovation ecosystem.

A look into the near future shows that artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly integrated into our everyday lives and is already within our grasp. Humanoid robots, autonomous systems and agentic models that act and make decisions independently are fundamentally changing the economy and society.

Research, companies and politicians are investing heavily in Agentic & Physical AI and the associated digital sovereignty. At the same time, key questions arise: How do we shape this development responsibly? And what role does the Winterthur region play in this innovation environment?

Experts from research and business share their perspectives and insights. Included are

• Manuel Hendry, film director & head of the film discipline at ZHdK
• René Raeber, AI expert & CTO of Microsoft Switzerland
• Theresa Schmiedel, Head of the Institute for Information Systems at the ZHAW
• Alexandre de Spindler, Professor of Information Systems at the ZHAW
• Manuela Hug, Founder & Managing Director of KI Power Swiss

as well as a surprise guest who will amaze us.

Digital Night 2026 is jointly organized by Digital Winterthur and the ZHAW . All digital enthusiasts are cordially invited to take part in the event and network during the flying dinner.

Program

• 17.30: Door opening
• 18.00: Welcome by Digital Winterthur & ZHAW
• 18.15: Topic block I: Physical AI & Robotics
• 19.00: Flying Dinner
• 20.00: Thematic block II: Agentic AI, Sovereignty & Empowerment
• 21.00: Flying Dessert