Recognising that artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are transforming the industry by facilitating agile design, product development, manufacturing and consumer engagement processes, and that advances in material science are crucial for the footwear industry’s sustainable development, the organisers of the next UITIC Congress have designed a programme that reflects this reality. 

After being granted the opportunity to visit manufacturing facilities in the region between the 31^st of August and the 1^st of September, the 22^nd edition of the International Technical Footwear Congress will comprise four thematic sessions on the 2^nd and the 3^rd of September (three on the first day and the last on the second day). 

Session 1

Session 1, ‘Materials and Product Innovation’, will explore how innovation in footwear materials can help the industry meet the diverse needs of consumers. To this end, the session will highlight the role of AI in accelerating material discovery and optimising design, enabling the production of sustainable, high-performance, and customisable products. Contributors to the session will include Juan José Hinojo (INESCOP, Spain), Pedro Duarte (CTCP, Portugal), Mikael Noel (CTC Groupe, France), and Han Xu (Sichuan University, China).

Session 2

Session 2, ‘Sustainability as an opportunity for competitiveness’, will delve into the role of artificial intelligence to promote sustainable practices among the industry stakeholders. Contributions from Vera Pinto (CTCP, Portugal), Guillaume Grunewald (CTC Groupe, France), Elena Orgilés (INESCOP, Spain) and Sabrina Frontini (ICEC, Italy) will highlight the importance of innovation in building a more competitive, responsible and forward-looking industry.

Session 3 

Session 3, ‘Smart and AI-Empowered Manufacturing’, will explore how embracing cutting-edge technologies such as AI, automation, robotics, the Industrial Internet of Things, and big data can help production to achieve greater reliability, scalability, and competitiveness while meeting modern consumer demands. Contributors will include Paul d’Arras (CTC Groupe, France), Davide Catena (ASSOMAC, Italy), YiBo Diao (Jihua 3513 Industrial Co., China), and Beatriz Faria (CTCP, Portugal). 

Session 4

Session 4, ‘Successful Industrial Stories’, will present success stories from across the themes explored the previous day. The session aims to inspire attendees by highlighting key success factors, breakthroughs and challenges, and offering valuable lessons to help them anticipate and overcome obstacles. Contributors include Cristiano Figueiredo (CTCP, Portugal), Ana Maria Vasconcelos (Belcinto, Portugal), Wei Ming Gu (Shuangchi Enterprise, China), and Linli Cao/Zheng (BM Technology).

Programme Highlights 

The conference will include one panel discussion and two keynote speeches: “From Shoes to Systems: AI Driven Workflows for Next Generation Footwear” by Nicoline Van Enter and “Technological Innovation Promotes Sustainable Development” by Liu Wei and Li Ning. There will also be 16 oral presentations and 24 poster presentations from ten countries, including China, Italy, France, Spain, the United Kingdom, and Portugal. 

For more information, please visit the website.