On 20 October 2026, the European Federation for Welding, Joining and Cutting (EWF) held the third edition of Professionals of the Future, at the Eurostars Lisboa Parque das Nações, in Lisbon. Under the theme “Human-centric (Re)manufacturing in the Era of AI”, the event brought together perspectives from industry, education, research and technology for a day of discussion, collaboration and exchange around the future of manufacturing.

With AI, digitalisation and circular practices reshaping industrial processes, this year's edition explored how technological progress can go hand in hand with human development, keeping people, skills and professional growth at the centre of industrial transformation.

The day opened with the keynote speech “In the ERA of AI…”, delivered by Jorge Fraga, Senior Director of EMEA IT Infrastructure & Operations at Fresenius Medical Care and Faculty in AI Executive Education at NovaSBE. The session addressed the challenges of this new technological paradigm, highlighting the importance of combining human talent with technological capabilities. This was followed by five project pitches, showcasing initiatives connected to human-centric (re)manufacturing.

The morning continued with three interactive roundtables, encouraging participants to exchange ideas and perspectives on key industrial challenges. Digital Tools for Training explored the role of AI and immersive technologies in skills development, while Remanufacturing & Industrial Transformation addressed the strategic choices involved in adopting circular approaches and emerging technologies. Human Centricity & Professional Growth focused on the skills and conditions needed to attract, develop and retain professionals in an evolving industry.

The sessions concluded with a joint debrief, bringing together reflections from the three discussions and reinforcing the importance of collaboration between industry, education and research.

In the afternoon, attention turned to European research and innovation through the session “People at the Centre of Industrial Transformation: Remanufacturing and Artificial Intelligence”. Five projects - R3-Mydas, AIRISE, VR-VET, BUTTERFLIES and INSPIRE - presented their work and developments, offering perspectives on AI adoption, remanufacturing, sustainable manufacturing, immersive training and emerging industrial skills.

The programme also included a Networking Break & XR Session, creating further opportunities for interaction and exchange, before concluding with the Experts Panel “People at the Centre of Industrial Transformation”. Bringing together representatives from the five projects, the panel explored the connections between new technologies, circularity and people, and their importance in shaping the future of industry.

Beyond the presentations and discussions, Professionals of the Future III provided a valuable opportunity to connect different perspectives and strengthen dialogue around a more sustainable, competitive and human-centred manufacturing future. The active participation throughout the day reflected the importance of bringing industry, education, research and technology closer together to address shared challenges.

EWF would like to thank all speakers, participants, project partners and everyone who contributed to making this third edition possible. Their engagement, ideas and contributions were essential to the success of the event.

With another edition concluded, EWF looks forward to building on the discussions and connections established in Lisbon and continuing to promote initiatives that place people at the centre of industrial transformation.