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21/07/2023

Stage is set for innovative technologies - A review of the first Demo Day of the Forum Digital Technologies

At the Forum Digital Technologies Demo Day on the topic of "AI in Application", selected R&D projects presented their use cases to an audience of multipliers, stakeholders and technology enthusiasts in Berlin.

Matthias Kaiser presents the PlanQK project at the FDT Demo Day.

How can the potential applications of AI become tangible for SME? Artificial Intelligence may be a popular topic of discussion, but in most cases, it has not yet fully permeated the everyday practices and work environments of SME. During conversations, it is often evident that there is a desire for optimized work processes through AI applications in SMEs, but the challenge lies in the lack of a concrete understanding of where suitable use cases for AI implementation can be found within their own companies.

"The goal is to make AI solutions visible and tangible." - Christoph Pflock, Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action

To move a step closer to this goal, on the afternoon of July 11, 2023, the Forum Digital Technologies opened the doors of its new showroom for approximately 110 interested guests and put the spotlight on six selected research and development projects from the current technology programs of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK). The Demo Day introduced a new semi-annual event format of the Forum, showcasing what the exhibition area and networking platform excel at: making innovative digital technologies 'made in Germany' tangible and experiential.

Highlight video of the Demo Day:

Experiencing and Understanding Digital Technologies

As the first project, Dr. Eric Rietzke (DFKI) and Prof. Dr. Clemens Gause (Verband für Sicherheitstechnik e.V.) presented the funded project SPELL. In their demonstration, they provided an example of a potential emergency call in the networked control center of the future and showcased how AI could soon assist emergency responders in crisis situations, both on-site and in the control center, to provide optimal support.

"Thank you for the successful event. It was a pleasure to present our research results in the SPELL project to a broad audience and engage in interesting discussions afterwards." - Dr. Eric Rietzke, DFKI

The following presented use cases of the production funding projects FabOS and IIP-Ecosphere addressed the target groups for industrial metal processing. Jonas Malte Becker (Leibniz University of Hanover) used the skiving cycle to vividly present how industrial processes can already be optimized by modern AI applications. Marco Kulig and Dr. Christian Weber (Trumpf Werkzeugmaschinen SE & Co. KG) showcased in their demonstration how valuable resources can be saved in companies through AI-assisted automation of the removal of laser-cut components. The AI ecosystem for product engineering AI Marketplace was represented by Ruslan Bernijazov (University of Paderborn), who vividly demonstrated an AI-based software of common parts management using a Lego tractor model.

With the Demo Day, two new Demos became part of the current permanent exhibition at the Forum Digital Technologies. For the Service Meister project, Dr. Robert Pesch (inovex GmbH) demonstrated how Industry 4.0 companies can intelligently support skilled workers beyond their expertise in the operational context through an intelligent ticketing system. The PlanQK project provided the Forum with its in-house quantum computer - although this is only in miniature made of Lego, the model can be used to look at various application areas of quantum computing, which Matthias Kaiser (Anaqor) introduced to the audience in his presentation.

Taking AI to the Streets

Developers of value-adding AI solutions eventually have to address how to effectively convey and make these solutions marketable to user groups for profit. The panel discussion following the demonstrations focused on success stories, obstacles, and the lessons learned. A key insight was that for AI systems to be accepted by the market, the human factor must not be disregarded. Gause explained that AI represents an opportunity for new job roles and certifications. Concerns among workers about the impact of AI on their jobs can sometimes hinder the integration of AI solutions in the workplace, emphasized Nina Pillen (YOUSE GmbH), and should be addressed with transparency, education, and training during the implementation process. Developing AI solutions close to end-users and seeking feedback during the creation and development process can make all the difference, added Pesch.

"When one gains knowledge about Artificial Intelligence and its consequences, it reduces fears." - Nina Pillen, GeMeKi

The impressions and thought-provoking insights from the demonstrations and panel discussion resonated in many lively conversations during the subsequent networking session. For those who want to be a part of the next Demo Day, or experience it again, mark November 24, 2023, on your calendar - as the Forum Digital Technologies will be back with the second round of the Demo Day, featuring new and exciting projects.

About the Forum Digital Technologies

The Forum Digital Technologies is a networking platform and exhibition area for selected research projects and innovations in the field of digital technologies from Germany. The Forum provides outstanding research projects with a platform for increased visibility and promotes exchange and knowledge transfer at both national and international levels.

The events and demonstrators at the Forum focus on the technical interfaces and societal challenges of current technology trends: Internet of Things, Big Data, Artificial Intelligence, and Security and Trust in the Digital Space.

The showroom of the Forum provides an exhibition area for projects from the technology programs of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action and other federal funding programs.