Artificial Intelligence (AI) is currently attracting a great deal of attention in both research and policy, with funding and innovations on the one hand and regulation plans on the other. High profile guests are set to examine the current situation at the “Smart Machines in Use” virtual AI congress. On December 01, 2021, the event will present various insights around the theme “The German Government's AI strategy as a future opportunity for business”.
Germany and Europe are embarking on their own AI journey compared to the rest of the world and are putting trustworthy AI at the heart of their concerns. Whereas outside of the European Union, the focus is mainly placed on speed when developing AI, EU countries are subject to trustworthy AI certifications and regulations and must be able to guarantee that the AI will be used responsibly. For example, on April 21, the European Commission submitted a proposal to separate AI-based applications into risk categories, meaning that the higher the risk, the more the application must be regulated, or even banned. In Germany last year, the German Institute for Standardization (DIN) presented a regulation roadmap for AI. The demand coming from industry for more standards is also high.
However, the international competition that German business is up against presents a challenge. Germany has already fallen behind in some areas of AI application. Therefore, the policy makers are supporting AI-based technological developments with numerous funding programs on both a federal state and national level. The transfer of technology from research into business practice is a particular focus here. So, is Germany doing too much or too little? And is it doing the right thing? How much standardization is helpful and when does it become a hindrance?
The speakers at the third “Smart Machines in Use” AI congress (in German) will offer insights into all of these aspects. The congress is organized by Fraunhofer IPA in cooperation with the Konradin Media Group and their well-known “bild der wissenschaft" magazine. Renowned futurologist and science and technology journalist Dr. Ulrich Eberl will be the moderator. Political representatives include the Minister for Economic Affairs, Labor and Tourism of Baden-Württemberg, Dr. Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut, who will give the welcoming address, and Dr. Anna Christmann, former Chair of the German Parliament's AI Symposium, as well as Professor Dr. Patrick Glauner of the “AI Federal Association” as moderator of the panel discussion.
Another focus of the event is AI in practice. Speakers from the Trumpf, Mackevision and Dataiku groups will speak on AI in everyday business practice, hurdles they have overcome and what has helped them in the implementation of AI solutions. A third focus topic is research contributions. Professor Dr. Christoph Keplinger, Director of the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, will discuss basic research in AI and robotics carried out by the Cyber Valley AI Research Association. Dr. Werner Kraus from Fraunhofer IPA will give live virtual insights into robot testing facilities and showcase the value added of AI for robotics and automation. Additional successful implementation examples and project formats for collaborations between research institutions and business will serve as a complement to the program.
Here, Fraunhofer IPA has first-hand experience from its comprehensive research on this subject and offers various (sometimes free) support models in the area of AI for manufacturing, for example as part of the “Center for Cyber Cognitive Intelligence” and the “Innovation Center Learning Systems and Cognitive Robotics“ together with Fraunhofer IAO. The scientists have already been working on more than 130 projects on the topic of AI across both centers for industries as diverse as manufacturing engineering, medicine, measuring technology, agriculture, distribution, quality assurance and many more. As a result, the scientists know of both the obstacles and the innovative trailblazers for successful AI projects in business practice. By compiling its own studies on both dependable and explainable AI, the institute is actively helping to shape trustworthy AI.
The virtual event on December 01, 2021 is just part one of the AI congress. This was originally planned to take place last December as an in-person event but had to be cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. It was not possible to plan a similar large in-person event this year either. Instead, the organizers opted for a virtual initial congress part and then hold the second, one day in-person event on May 10, 2022.
“It is essential that we in Germany and Europe get better at converting economic excellence into economic strength when it comes to Artificial Intelligence. We need more European businesses to develop trustworthy AI solutions and launch these successfully on the market. This applies not only to start-ups and global players but also to our highly innovative SMEs. With initiatives such as the Innovation Park AI Baden-Württemberg, Cyber Valley and the AI Action Program for SMEs, Baden-Württemberg is aiming to take on a leading role in AI development.”
“In the future, Artificial Intelligence (AI) will play a key role on the journey to more and more autonomy in the area of machine tools or even in smart factories. One central challenge is overcoming the chicken and egg problem of missing data/applications. Without data, there can be no AI applications, but without suitable applications, no data is collected. In order to overcome this for SMEs in particular, we need solutions which can bring benefits even without AI and which also enable us to gather data that can be used to solve more complex problems.”
“Artificial Intelligence in tandem with digital products can generate enormous potential, from process optimization to innovative pioneering solutions such as remote inspection, repair and maintenance. However, for various reasons, industry is not making full use of this potential. For example, there is no uniform process pipeline that encompasses design, manufacturing and engineering, as well as sales and marketing. There is also sometimes a lack of clear commitment to develop AI competencies over the long term.”
“Artificial Intelligence has already revealed its potential over the years – often more than we realize. Industries such as retail, media and communication are definitely more advanced in this aspect than the manufacturing industry. Technology has shown that the time is ripe to generate added value for customers and our own business with everyday AI. In Germany, where we are still somewhat lagging behind in this regard, the journey has only just begun. Of course, we can now build on past experience of taking the whole organization with us.”
“We focus on research and development of trustworthy and reliable AI. Therefore, our aim is to empower business to use AI, particularly in critical and regulatory applications such as with medical and pharmaceutical goods and in financial services.”
“When we think of the topic of the “Smart Machines in Use" congress, robotics is probably what first comes to mind. In fact, it is one of the most ideal areas of application for AI and its various manifestations. Robots need to be intelligent, robust and flexible, as well as able to operate on an increasingly autonomous basis. At the same time, they need to be able to put their abilities into practice on a par with humans. AI is what makes this balancing act possible.”
“I am committed to a strong “made in Europe” brand of Artificial Intelligence. We have a host of excellent research locations in Germany and Europe which together are able to develop international appeal. In order for this to become reality, we need far bolder and more targeted investments than in previous years, as so far only a fragment of the EUR 5 billion that was promised has been invested. In the coming years, I want us to use the potential AI offers for people and the environment. Whether it be for the energy transformation, the mobility of the future or in fighting the pandemic, AI will become increasingly important in overcoming challenges. For this, we need scientific excellence, ecosystems with business and, with the AI Act, a reliable EU legal framework based on our European values.”
What?
Part 1: AI Congress “Smart Machines in Use: The German Government's AI strategy as a future opportunity for business”
When?
December 01, 2021 9am - 12pm
Where?
Virtuell für 49 Euro zzgl. MwSt. pro Person; alle Informationen und die Anmeldung finden sich hier: https://industrie.de/kongress-kuenstliche-intelligenz-2021/
Wer?
Online for EUR 49 + VAT per person; all information and registration can be found here: https://industrie.de/kongress-kuenstliche-intelligenz-2021/
09:00 – 09:25:
Opening and welcoming address by the Minister for Economic Affairs, Labor and Tourism of Baden-Württemberg, Dr. Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut MdL
09:25 – 10.15:
AI and shadow mode: Dr. Jens Ottnad | R+D Head Data & AI | TRUMPF
Quo vadis digital twin: Kian Saemian | Vice President Future Technologies | Mackevision
Everyday AI, extraordinary people: Dr.-Ing. Sebastian Werner | AI Evangelist | Dataiku
AI & robotics research at Cyber Valley: Prof. Dr. Christoph Keplinger | Director Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems & Head of the Robotic Materials Department I Max Planck Institute
Live view of robot testing: Dr. Werner Kraus | Head of the Department of Robots and Assistive Systems | Fraunhofer IPA
10:15 – 11:00:
Panel discussion with questions from the virtual plenary sitting
11:00 – 11:45:
Discussion and closing remarks: Dr. Anna Christmann | former Chair of the AI Symposium | German parliament and Prof. Dr. Patrick Glauner | Member of the Steering Committee of the “Regulation” Taskforce| AI Federal Association
11:45 – 11:55:
Implementation examples: How research and business can work together successfully with AI
11:55 – 12:00:
Outlook to the AI Congress 2022 on 05.10.2022 at Fraunhofer IPA Stuttgart
Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA