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AutomationSTAR

Test Automation Conference Europe

Track Talk W6

MBT: The Undiscovered Country

René van Veldhuijzen

15:55-16:40 CET, Wednesday 4th November

In the vast galaxy of automation in testing, our minds are driven by flashy frameworks, fast-paced CI pipelines and agentic AI. But quietly orbiting in the background lies Model-Based Testing (MBT), a methodical, intelligent approach that has long been overlooked, misunderstood, and dismissed as too theoretical for practical application.

In my session, I’ll take participants on a journey to MBT’s “undiscovered land”: a world where models become maps and test specialists navigate complex systems with precision and foresight. Like the crew of the Enterprise facing an uncertain future, we’ll challenge assumptions, decipher alien-like terminology, and boldly push beyond the script-based status quo.

Expect real-world examples, visual metaphors, and interactive storytelling along the way. Together, we will explore how MBT can:

* Improve hidden paths through legacy systems and complex business logic;
* Improve collaboration between test specialists, developers, and domain experts;
* Generate test cases that are stable, reliable and relevant;
* Serve as a bridge between exploratory insight and automation discipline.

Whether you are an experienced automation engineer or a curious junior, this session will help you discover MBT not as a relic of academic theory, but as your strategic ally in your testing mission. The future of automation may not lie in more scripts; but in smarter maps.

Set phasers to “model,” and prepare to discover what has been hiding in plain sight.

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What you will Learn

  1. Participants will see how MBT translates abstract models into concrete, executable tests using real tools, proving its value in everyday automation work.
  2. Attendees will learn how visual models clarify complex systems, reveal hidden logic paths, and guide test design with precision (especially in legacy or high-risk domains).
  3. MBT fosters shared understanding between testers, developers, and domain experts by making system behavior explicit and navigable—no more guesswork or siloed assumptions.

Session Details

  • Introductory
  • 30 minutes
  • 15mins Q&A
  • Modern Tools & Frameworks
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Session Speaker

René van Veldhuijzen

Squerist, Netherlands

With over 25 years of experience in software testing, René van Veldhuijzen brings deep expertise, sharp insight, and contagious enthusiasm to every project. From navigating politically sensitive environments as a Test Manager to designing intricate test scripts across diverse tools, his career has been anything but dull. René calls himself the Test Positivo; the propagator of Fun Driven Testing, a methodology that blends rigor with playfulness to make learning stick. His workshops and talks are known for their energy, creativity, and visual storytelling. As founder of the TestMass conference, René creates space for knowledge-sharing and community building, contributing to a healthier, more inclusive Dutch testing culture. Whether mentoring juniors or challenging seasoned professionals, he inspires others to explore testing not just as a discipline, not as a craft, but as something fun to do.

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