An expert forum on artificial intelligence in manufacturing and for Industrie 4.0 is being held in the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy today. Experts from industrial companies, science and research are invited to formulate key input and specific recommendations for the Federal Government’s Artificial Intelligence Strategy.

Federal Minister Altmaier said: “The widespread use of artificial intelligence offers massive potential for growth in German industry. AI can intelligently process and evaluate the enormous volumes of data generated by machines in the manufacturing process. Not only is this the basis for highly-automated and optimised production: it also lays the foundations for entirely new data-driven business models in the Industrie 4.0 context. These business models will generate future growth and jobs, and we want them to be developed and implemented not just anywhere in the world, but here in Germany. For this reason, our AI expert workshops are focusing on the users and discussing how we can speed up the transfer of AI into commerce and manufacturing operations. German firms should start as soon as possible to integrate artificial intelligence into their production and products. We will support them in this via our Artificial Intelligence Strategy.”

Another AI expert workshop organised by the Economic Affairs Ministry to improve the transfer of research findings into commerce took place on Monday. In total, the relevant ministries have held six events which have also covered the topics of research, the world of work and the labour market, health and long-term care, and mobility.

The Federal Government’s Artificial Intelligence Strategy is being drawn up by the Economic Affairs, Research and Labour Ministries. It will be presented at the Digital Summit in Nuremberg at the beginning of December. An online consultation (in German) is open for nationally active business associations, companies, organisations and institutions until 30 September.