FabX 2026: The International FabLab Community Gathers at Our FabLab
From July 27 to 31, 2026, our FabLab will become a gathering place for the international maker community. Together with the RUB Makerspace, we are organizing FabX 2026 as part of the Fab.Future Ruhr project - a European parallel event to Fab26, which is taking place at the same time in Boston.
Nicht jede:r aus der internationalen FabLab Community hat die Möglichkeit, an der weltweiten Konferenz in den USA teilzunehmen. Mit der FabX schaffen wir deshalb einen Ort, an dem Austausch, gemeinsames Lernen und offenes Arbeiten auch in Europa möglich sind. Rund 52 Teilnehmende aus Europa und Japan kommen dafür zu uns ins FabLab. Mit dabei sind unter anderem das FabLab Groningen, das ULB FabLab, das Aalto FabLab, das IAS FabLab, das Waag Futurelab Amsterdam sowie der RUB Makerspace.
The week focuses on knowledge sharing and the collaborative development of new ideas. The workshop program ranges from recycling and open-source hardware to PCB design with KiCad and parametric laser machining, as well as topics such as BirdNET, mini CNC machines, and small experimental setups in the field of quantum technology. The program is supplemented by open project phases, during which participants work together on their own ideas, further develop machines, and share experiences. The complete program, including all workshops, can be found on the FabX-Programmseite .
A special highlight of the program is the group visit to the RUB Makerspace. In addition to gaining insights into various workshop areas and practical applications such as metalworking, electronics manufacturing, and injection molding, the focus is primarily on personal interaction among the international guests. The day concludes with a group viewing of selected entries from Fab26 in Boston.
For us, FabX is much more than just a week-long event. It demonstrates how open workshops can connect people, ideas, and technologies across national borders. This is precisely the vision we are pursuing with Fab.Future Ruhr. Together with our partners, we aim to sustainably strengthen the maker scene in the Ruhr region, expand international collaborations, and foster long-term exchange between FabLabs, universities, and the community.
