People at the heart of artificial intelligence

The fifth HUMAINE Spring Fair sends a strong signal for the future of work in the Ruhr region

The fifth HUMAINE Spring Fair XL transformed Bochum’s O-Werk into a vibrant hub for innovation and shaping the future on 26 February 2026. In a festive atmosphere, around 200 guests not only learnt about the latest developments in human-centred artificial intelligence (AI) from the HUMAINE Centre of Excellence, but also celebrated the launch of the exhibition route ‘PEOPLE. WORK. AI.’. The central message of the event was unmistakable across all sectors: AI must be developed for and with people.

People at the heart of the transformation

Whether in industry, healthcare or human resources – the trade fair highlighted a wide range of aspects relating to the use of AI. The various discussion formats demonstrated just how great the potential is when technological innovation and social responsibility are considered together. Lively discussions and intensive networking made one thing clear: the focus is always on the responsible use of technology in harmony with individual and organisational development.

Inspiring ideas and a variety of formats

The opening of the trade fair was marked by encouraging welcoming addresses that highlighted the immense importance of cross-sector collaboration and the successful launch of HUMAINE Network e.V. In his welcoming address, Matthias Hauer, Parliamentary State Secretary at the BMFTR, made it clear that work research will continue to play an important role in the Federal Government’s high-tech agenda. This positive momentum ran like a common thread through the entire programme. Through a varied mix of practical sessions and stimulating panel discussions, the use of AI in the world of work was brought to life. These diverse formats not only offered participants valuable knowledge transfer from research and practice, but also ample opportunity for intensive networking and professional exchange on an equal footing.

A successful start to the exhibition route ‘PEOPLE. WORK. AI.’

Alongside the impressive programme of stage performances, the launch of the new exhibition route ‘PEOPLE. WORK. AI.’ – a collaboration with Route Industriekultur – captivated the guests. Here, too, the scope of the initiative was already evident in the opening addresses: the Vice-Chancellor of Ruhr University, Prof. Dr Dr h.c. Martin Paul, saw the HUMAINE approach as providing important impetus for the Excellence Strategy within the Ruhr University Alliance. The Lord Mayor of Bochum, Jörg Lukat, praised our contribution to urban society. The partnership with the Ruhr Regional Association provides us with the backing for the exhibition concept of the exhibition route ‘PEOPLE. WORK. AI.’, and the artist Emil Schult brings it to life with his distinctive style.
The first visitors to take part in the exclusive guided tours of the exhibition at the RUB Makerspace were thoroughly impressed by the interactive and tangible visions of tomorrow’s world of work.

Recognition for regional pioneers: the HUMAINE Award

One of the highlights of the spring trade fair was the presentation of the HUMAINE Awards by the Executive Board of HUMAINE Network e.V., which recognised outstanding approaches to human-centred AI applications in the region:

• In the ‘Transformation’ category, the award went to the long-established Bochum-based company Gebr. Eickhoff Maschinenfabrik und Eisengießerei GmbH for its collaborative development of a framework works agreement on AI.
• The award in the ‘Innovation’ category went to the Dortmund-based technology company MotionMiners GmbH for its innovative approaches, which combine data-driven optimisation with a clear focus on employees.

Both prize-winners impressively demonstrate how the use of AI can be successful whilst keeping people at the heart of the process.

Photos © RUB, Marquard