The enthusiasm for artificial intelligence was omnipresent in Davos. The AI House was dedicated entirely to this topic. On the fringes of the World Economic Forum from January 15 to 19, 2024, politicians, scientists and industry professionals came together in a global dialog here to discuss the impact of the topic on the world. AI has the potential to fundamentally change the way we work, live and interact. The challenge will be to use the technology in such a way that it enriches our society and does not harm it. There are still no globally applicable and binding regulations to ensure responsible use of the technology.
In numerous discussion rounds at the AI House, the focus of AI was examined from all angles over five days – from the current state of development with promising solutions to its contribution to overcoming today's biggest environmental challenges and ethical boundaries. It is already clear that AI is bringing a new dynamic to the development of innovations and creating new ecosystems.
In the panel discussion "Unlocking the Potential of AI for Global Hidden Champions", Dr. Frauke Goll (Managing Director Applied AI Institute for Europe gGmbH), Prof. Cr. Helmut Krcmar (Co-owner of ITM GmbH and Head of KrcmarLab, TUM), Patrick Eichenseer (Head of Operational Excellence - DEHN SE) and Timo Gessmann (CTO, SCHUNK SE & Co. KG), moderated by Daniel Gottschald (Managing Director of TUM Campus Heilbronn gGmbH), discussed how AI can help SMEs to remain competitive and fit for the future.
The openness and enthusiasm for the opportunities offered by AI were evident across the board. The task now is work together to set out the right course. This can also be achieved through networking in emerging ecosystems in particular, such as the new Innovation Park Artificial Intelligence (Ipai) in Heilbronn. This means that as a pioneer, SCHUNK is actively involved in the practical implementation of responsible AI solutions at Ipai.