Keynotes at Testers’ Day 2026

Beyond Satellite Navigation: From Mars to Mobility

How do we determine where we are, and how can a machine navigate autonomously when there is no satellite navigation, no road and no opportunity for real-time human control? Drawing on his experience from the ExoMars Rover programme and autonomous-driving development at Volvo Cars, Michael Schön explores the principles connecting navigation in space, autonomous mobility on Mars and self-driving vehicles on Earth.

The journey begins with GPS and Europe’s Galileo system, whose satellite-borne atomic clocks help provide precise positioning, navigation and timing services on Earth and in applicable Earth orbits. It then moves into deep space, where spacecraft rely on radio tracking, optical observations and celestial references. On the surface of Mars, the challenge changes again: a rover must perceive unfamiliar terrain, localise itself, evaluate hazards and execute movements with a high degree of autonomy.

The presentation offers a personal, visionary and inspiring perspective on how machines learn to navigate, and what the space and automotive industries can learn from each other as we move towards increasingly autonomous systems.

Title: Beyond Satellite Navigation: From Mars to Mobility
Speaker: Michael Schön, CEO MeridianVertex AB
Time: 09.15, October 1

From vision to validation

Join us for an exclusive session where Johan shares the story behind Coretura, the company’s vision for the future of software-defined vehicles, and their perspective on technology strategy, software quality, SIL and HIL validation. A unique opportunity to gain first-hand insights into the challenges and opportunities shaping next-generation automotive development.

Coretura is the software-defined vehicle platform company founded by Daimler Truck and the Volvo Group. We build the full stack for medium and heavy-duty commercial vehicles – from high-performance computing and core vehicle software to the software development kit and developer tools.

Coretura addressing the foundational layer the industry needs, but no single manufacturer should build alone: a common, secure foundation that lets manufacturers, fleets and developers innovate without limits and keep improving vehicles long after launch. Based in Gothenburg, Sweden, the growing team of 130+ engineers from more than 15 countries is advancing mobility at the speed of ideas.

Title: From vision to validation
Speaker: Johan Lundén, CEO of Coretura
Time: 14.45, October 1