NextGen FM: AI, Robotics and the Connected Workplace
The next IFMA Belgium event is being co-organized with the University of Antwerp (UAntwerp).
The future of Facility Management is being shaped by artificial intelligence, robotics and connected workplace technologies. As organizations seek smarter, more efficient and employee-centric environments, FM professionals are at the forefront of this transformation.
Join IFMA Belgium’s NextGen FM event to discover how emerging technologies are redefining workplace operations, enhancing user experiences and enabling data-driven decision-making.
Explore real-world use cases, connect with industry leaders and gain insights into the intelligent workplace of tomorrow.
Event details
Date: Thursday, 12 November 2026
Time: 12:30–18:00
Location: University of Antwerp, Campus Groenenborger
Address: Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp
Room: Building Z — Z.126
Event host:
Anton Maes
Board Member, IFMA Belgium
Agenda
12:30–13:15 — Lunch
13:15–13:30 — Kick-off and introduction
13:30–14:15 — Physical AI: From Fancy Video to Real Deployment
Bram Vanderborght — Professor at BruBotics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel & imec
14:15–15:00 — The Autonomous Workplace: From Smart Buildings to Self-Managing Workplaces
Jolien De Veirman — Schneider Electric
Tom Ryckaert — Solution Strategist, Planon & Tech and Innovation Lead, IFMA Belgium
15:00–15:15 — Coffee break
15:15–16:00 — Designed Smart, Built Smart, Run Smart
Stijn Verbeke — Professor in design and assessment methods for smart and sustainable buildings and districts, UAntwerp Faculty of Applied Engineering; Research Coordinator for construction robotics and innovative building envelopes at VITO
16:00–16:30 — Panel discussion
16:30–16:45 — Closing
16:45–18:00 — Networking drink
Keynote insights
Physical AI: From Fancy Video to Real Deployment
Physical AI is having its moment: every week brings a new video of a humanoid folding laundry or walking through a warehouse, fuelled by breakthroughs in foundation models and generative AI.
In physical AI, Europe has a real opportunity to remain a player rather than becoming merely a customer. Seizing that opportunity means closing the gap between an impressive demonstration and a robot that works safely, day after day, on a real factory floor.
This requires tackling the shortage of real-world interaction data and building an ecosystem in which component suppliers, integrators and end users work together, while building on European values such as safety, privacy and human dignity.
The Autonomous Workplace: From Smart Buildings to Self-Managing Workplaces
What happens when buildings become intelligent enough to anticipate needs, optimize operations and increasingly manage themselves?
In this keynote, Jolien De Veirman and Tom Ryckaert explore the evolution from smart buildings to autonomous workplaces. They will highlight the technologies, data and AI capabilities transforming Facility Management and workplace experiences.
Designed Smart, Built Smart, Run Smart
From AI-assisted design and robotic construction to smart operation and energy flexibility, this keynote explores the choices that shape a building’s capabilities throughout its lifecycle.
Drawing on the development of the EU Smart Readiness Indicator and ongoing research into the energy performance of smart buildings and the role of robotics on construction sites, it examines how buildings can respond to their users, adapt to changing needs and actively contribute to a smart energy system.
Pricing
IFMA Belgium members
- Professionals: €50
- Commercial profiles: €75
Non-members
- Professionals: €95
- Commercial profiles: €195
Students
- Free
Join us! - NextGen FM: AI, Robotics and the Connected Workplace
Registration
Discover how AI, robotics and connected technologies are shaping the next generation of Facility Management.
