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Find our latest news, statements and publications from the Plattform Lernende Systeme here.

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AI in the legal system: ‘AI systems can relieve the burden on courts and contribute to fair judgements’

The justice system in Germany is overloaded: Between 2021 and 2023, the number of open criminal proceedings increased by almost 30 per cent, according to the German Association of Judges. However, the number of judges and public prosecutors in Germany will decrease significantly in the coming years due to retirement. AI systems promise a wide range of potential applications and greater efficiency for the legal system. In this interview, Frauke Rostalski explains how AI systems can relieve the burden on courts and contribute to fair judgements. She is Professor of Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure Law, Philosophy of Law and Comparative Law at the University of Cologne, member of the German Ethics Council and member of Plattform Lernende Systeme.

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AI in the legal system: Opportunities and challenges for democracy

Artificial Intelligence (AI) can ease the burden on the legal system and fundamentally contribute to fairer and more transparent judgements and proceedings. On the other hand, there are currently still qualitative weaknesses of AI systems in legal applications as well as ethical and legal concerns. A current white paper from Plattform Lernende Systeme provides an overview of possible applications of AI systems in the context of judicial decisions and addresses design options for the successful use of AI in law firms and courtrooms.

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Webspecial of Plattform Lernende Systeme: What influence does AI have on democratic society?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the way we communicate, inform ourselves and make political decisions. This has consequences for a democratic society. The new webspecial www.ki-und-demokratie.de of Plattform Lernende Systeme explains the challenges, but also the opportunities, that AI presents for opinion-forming and political elections. Using numerous examples, video clips and an interactive quiz, it clearly shows where the use of AI affects democratic principles, how AI-generated or falsified media content - so-called deepfakes - are used and how they can be recognised as such. The webspecial is intended as a contribution to promoting media literacy.

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AI and democratic elections: Curbing possible manipulation at an early stage

In the super election year 2024, deepfakes and co. are attracting a lot of attention. The concern is that fake images, films and audio created with the help of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) could influence individual voting decisions. Their actual influence on the outcome of elections has not yet been proven. Nevertheless, experts from Plattform Lernende Systeme are calling for AI to be prevented from influencing political processes and opinion-forming. This is because the mere attempt to disinformation undermines trust in democratic institutions. A current white paper highlights the significance of generative AI for elections and democracy using concrete and possible examples. It recommends, for example, proof of origin for AI-generated content and the strengthening of AI-related media skills.

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AI for healthcare professionals and patients: ‘Value-based and people-centered‘

When it comes to Artificial Intelligence (AI) in medicine and care, most people think of surgical robots or assistance systems in radiology. Less in the limelight are AI applications that support healthcare professionals with time-consuming administrative tasks - be it documentation, duty rostering or billing. Such software solutions offer great potential and, unlike AI systems for the clinical sector, quickly save time and money. In this interview, Andrea Schmidt-Rumposch explains how AI can make medical and nursing processes more efficient and what hurdles healthcare facilities face when introducing AI systems. She is Director of Nursing at Essen University Hospital and a member of the Health Care, Medical Technology and Care working group of Plattform Lernende Systeme.

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Skills shortage and demographic change: ‘AI is an important part of the solution’

The shortage of skilled labour is already being felt in many industries and professions. The situation will become even more acute when the baby boomers retire. Artificial Intelligence (AI) can counteract the shortage of skilled labour. With the help of technology, employees can be relieved and hidden reserves can be mobilised for the labour market. In this interview, Christoph M. Schmidt explains exactly how this can be achieved and what challenges are associated with the use of AI in companies and administration. He is President of the RWI – Leibniz Institute for Economic Research and a member of the Future of Work and Human-Machine Interaction working group of Plattform Lernende Systeme.

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AI on the end device: How Edge AI ensures data protection and energy efficiency

Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) locally on smartphones, in vehicles or industrial robots offers enormous opportunities for the German economy and society. Compared to large AI models that are operated centrally on large computing infrastructures, edge AI requires significantly less energy, protects the privacy and data of users and enables reliable applications in real time. Plattform Lernende Systeme recognises that Germany is in a good starting position in international competition to exploit the potential of the technology. However, research and development face technical challenges and hurdles when it comes to transferring the technology into practice. A current white paper provides an overview of the strengths and weaknesses of Edge AI and discusses options for putting the technology into practice.

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Edge AI: ‘Enormous application potential can only be realised through a holistic approach‘

The latest successes in the development of generative AI are based on "more and more" centrally processed data, upscaled neural networks and computing capacities. This is accompanied by data protection issues, costs and increasing resource consumption. Research and industry are therefore currently pursuing a different approach in parallel: the decentralisation of AI architectures along the lines of edge computing - known as edge AI. The aim is not to process and analyse data for AI systems in the cloud, but rather as close as possible to where it is generated - i.e. close to the user.

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More efficient processes, better care: How AI supports healthcare professionals with administrative tasks

Artificial Intelligence (AI) can improve organisational workflows in hospitals and medical practices and thus relieve the burden on healthcare professionals. Unlike AI applications for the clinical area, AI solutions for billing, personnel planning or documentation can be used at short notice and immediately save time and costs. A current white paper from Plattform Lernende Systeme uses practical examples to show how AI can contribute to better quality of care in organisational processes. In order for the applications to be used quickly in day-to-day care, they must be tailored to the needs of healthcare professionals and embedded in existing processes.

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Regulating Artificial Intelligence: The EU regulation at a glance

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a key technology for the future viability of our economy and society. However, AI systems also harbour risks. With the AI Act, the European Union (EU) has now adopted the world's first transnational set of regulations for the safe and trustworthy use of AI. In its new issue of the AI Compact series, Plattform Lernende Systeme explains in a concise and clear manner what exactly is set out in the AI regulation, what opportunities and challenges are associated with the law and how the regulations are now being implemented.

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Assistance and participation: How AI is counteracting the shortage of skilled workforce

Skilled workforce shortages threaten competitiveness and prosperity in Germany. Artificial Intelligence (AI) can make a contribution to securing skilled workforce. For example, the technology can be used to reduce the workload of employees and support the integration of people with disabilities and migrant backgrounds into the labour market. A current white paper from Plattform Lernende Systeme uses practical examples to show the potential and challenges of using AI in business and administration. The experts identify the necessary framework conditions for securing AI-supported skilled workforce, such as promoting AI skills at school or investing in data and computing infrastructures.

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Democratic elections in the age of AI: ‘We need good journalism, media education and personal responsibility‘

In the run-up to democratic elections, experts have increasingly warned against attempts to influence voting decisions with targeted misinformation in recent years. While disinformation is not a new phenomenon in political debates and conflict situations, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) can exacerbate the threat. This puts pressure on the free formation of opinion as a pillar of democracy.

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AI-controlled robots: Platform shows potential and limits

Robots that learn independently and work closely with humans - the combination of robotics with Artificial Intelligence (AI) methods has great potential for society and the economy. Robots capable of learning can relieve the burden on employees, alleviate the shortage of skilled workers and support people with disabilities. However, there is still a long way to go before AI-controlled helpers become part of our everyday lives. In its new web special, Plattform Lernende Systeme provides an overview of adaptive robotics: a dashboard shows areas of application and developments, while experts from the platform shed light on opportunities and hurdles from various perspectives.

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Developing medicines with AI: "There is a lack of reliable legal requirements"

Artificial Intelligence can accelerate the development of medicines. Dagmar Krefting (member of the Health Care, Medical Technology, Care working group) explains exactly how the use of AI can improve drug research and what needs to be done to ensure that the population can benefit from cost-effective medicines.

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Developing medicinal product with AI: New white paper from Plattform Lernende Systeme shows potential and challenges

Artificial Intelligence (AI) can accelerate the development of medicines and promote personalised medicine across the board. In this way, better and individualised medicines can be brought to market more cost-effectively. However, before the population can benefit from more favourable drug prices and innovative medicines, sufficient high-quality data from patients must be made available for research in addition to data on active ingredients, and a legally secure regulatory framework must be created. A current white paper from Plattform Lernende Systeme uses practical examples to show the potential of AI in drug development and addresses design options for overcoming the existing hurdles.

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Generative AI: confidently seizing opportunities for the economy

Large AI language models that generate text or program codes can increase the competitiveness and innovative strength of the German economy enormously. However, the most advanced generative AI models currently come from the USA and China - and mostly do not meet the ethical and legal requirements discussed in Europe. A current white paper from Plattform Lernende Systeme uses practical examples to illustrate the opportunities and challenges of language models and analyzes the conditions under which companies can leverage the potential of the technology with confidence and legal certainty. The experts recommend the creation of an open, commercially usable data set in German that complies with European values and rules and supports the development of language models in Germany.

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Combined use of knowledge and data: Hybrid AI for greater security and transparency

Large AI models that generate texts or images based on huge amounts of data and machine learning continue to cause a stir. However, data-based AI approaches also reveal limitations, for example due to their resource-intensive training or the lack of transparency of the AI system. Hybrid AI offers a promising alternative for sensitive areas of application such as medicine: it combines data-driven AI approaches with human knowledge and promises energy-efficient, robust and explainable AI systems. Plattform Lernende Systeme explains what hybrid AI is and the potential and challenges associated with it in a short publication.

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Data protection with AI: Experts call for legal certainty for the use of technical solutions

Artificial Intelligence (AI) can make an important contribution to a sustainable economy and society - be it through optimized business processes or products that promise personalized healthcare, safer road traffic or better educational opportunities. At present, however, companies are still reluctant to use AI. The frequently cited reason is that the data protection hurdles appear to be too high. A current white paper from Plattform Lernende Systeme shows technical approaches that ensure privacy and data protection in the development and use of AI systems. The authors call for legal recognition of the procedures in order to strengthen legal certainty for companies using AI.

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AI for an inclusive world of work: "Human fairness and control of the systems remain important".

Around 7.9 million people with impairments lived in Germany in 2020; about one third of them of working age. Their integration into the world of work is not only ethically and legally necessary, but also economically essential in view of the shortage of skilled workers. Artificial intelligence (AI) can help people with impairments to cope with their tasks in everyday working life. Angelika Bullinger-Hoffmann explains in an interview how participation can be improved with the help of AI technology - and which hurdles have to be overcome along the way. She is Professor of Work Science and Innovation Management at Chemnitz University of Technology and a member of the Future of Work and Human-Machine Interaction working group of Plattform Lernende Systeme.

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Safe AI in medicine: What does EU regulation bring?

Whether as an assistance system in the doctor's office, in a rollator that prevents falls, or as software for evaluating X-ray images - Artificial Intelligence (AI) can improve healthcare. However, if medical AI systems are faulty, people can be harmed. In this interview, Dr. Abtin Rad explains the risks associated with the use of AI in medicine, how these can be controlled, and what contribution the EU's AI Regulation can make to safe AI applications. He is Global Director Functional Safety, Software and Digitization at TÜV SÜD and a member of the "Health Care, Medical Technology, Care" working group of Plattform Lernende Systeme.

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AI in SMEs: Identifying opportunities in the value chain

Many SMEs are still reluctant to use Artificial Intelligence (AI). A first starting point is the analysis of their own value chain: Where and how can AI support them as a powerful computing tool? Professor Dr. Alexander Löser explains in an interview how SMEs can benefit from AI in concrete terms, what process steps are involved and why the introduction of AI requires a willingness to fail. He is the founder and spokesman of the Data Science Research Center at the Beuth University of Applied Sciences Berlin and a member of the "Technological Enablers and Data Science" working group of Plattform Lernende Systeme.

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More equal opportunities: How AI fosters an inclusive working world

Artificial Intelligence (AI) supports employees in the workplace. AI technologies can enable people with disabilities to perform new activities and allow them to participate in working life in a more self-determined and equal manner. However, the opportunities offered by the technology can only be exploited if the right framework conditions are in place in the world of work: These include (digitally) accessible workplaces, a corporate culture that promotes diversity, and consideration of people with impairments as early as the research and development stage. A current white paper from Plattform Lernende Systeme illustrates the potential of AI for an inclusive working world using concrete practical examples and shows ways in which AI-supported participation can succeed.

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Leading the way: courage, expertise and seal of approval for the future with AI

Artificial Intelligence (AI) will shape all areas of our lives in the future. With the current technological leaps in large-scale language models and robotics, many questions also arise: What do we want to use AI for? How can responsible use of AI be promoted? And how can Germany and Europe catch up in the international competition for AI? Plattform Lernende Systeme discussed these questions with more than 200 guests at its conference "Pioneering: Fit for the Future with Artificial Intelligence" on June 14 in Berlin.

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AI language models made in Europe: Cross-linking research, strengthing transfer

Large language models such as ChatGPT or PaLM 2 promise powerful AI solutions for business and society. However, their results are not always comprehensible, often flawed, or fraught with bias. Experts from Plattform Lernende Systeme believe that research in Germany is in a good position to tackle the technical challenges of AI technology, develop it in line with European values and thus exploit its potential for Germany and Europe. A current white paper from the platform identifies the most urgent research needs and options for action.

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What rules does AI need? Plattform Lernende Systeme provides an overview

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a key technology for a sustainable economy and society. At the same time, AI systems also harbor risks. In the current debate about ChatGPT and other generative AI models, there are calls for regulation of the technology. An overview of possible forms and current regulatory initiatives - from the European AI Act to industry standards - is provided by a new web service of Plattform Lernende Systeme.

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Dealing with Artificial Intelligence: "People tend to perceive IT systems as social actors"

Not only in factories, but also in classic office jobs or social professions, AI-based chatbots and assistance systems are increasingly providing support at work. Eva Bittner, professor of socio-technical system design at Universität Hamburg and member of the AI expert network Plattform Lernende Systeme, and her team are investigating how this affects work processes and employees. She explains why the topic fascinates her, how humans and AI systems cooperate optimally and what challenges exist on the occasion of the nationwide Girls' Day.

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Survey: How healthcare professionals benefit from AI

Artificial Intelligence (AI) can relieve healthcare workers and improve patient care. Medical and nursing professionals are generally open to the use of the technology, but demand technical and organizational changes in everyday inpatient and outpatient work so that patients and specialist staff can benefit from AI systems. This is the result of a qualitative survey of healthcare professionals conducted by Plattform Lernende Systeme which was presented today at the DMEA healthcare trade fair in Berlin.

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Security in the AI age: "We need to break new ground."

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has made great strides in recent years. Today, AI systems can already be found on social media platforms, in search engines and as recommendation providers in online retail - even in sensitive areas such as medicine or in autonomous driving cars, the self-learning software is involved in decisions. AI can support us in our everyday lives, but if it is maliciously manipulated, it can cause great harm. Prof. Dr. Ahmad-Reza Sadeghi explains the IT security challenges associated with the use of AI and how AI systems and the underlying data can be protected against attacks. He is head of the System Security Lab at the Technical University of Darmstadt and a member of Plattform Lernende Systeme.

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ChatGPT and language models: What is the new AI generation changing?

The ChatGPT language model has brought Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the public eye. The text bot is part of a new generation of AI systems that compose texts, generate images and videos, or program codes. Whether in companies, medicine or the media world - the possible applications of so-called large language models are manifold. In the new web format "Perspectives on AI," experts from Plattform Lernende Systeme discuss the technological progress they promise, their potential for business and society, and the ethical and legal challenges associated with their use.

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Large language models: "A milestone in AI research"

ChatGPT is currently moving the public. The text bot is one of the so-called big language models that are celebrated as a breakthrough in AI research. Do big language models promise real progress or are they just hype? How can voice assistants be used - and what conditions do we need to create in Europe so that business and society benefit from them? Volker Tresp answers these questions in an interview. He is a professor at Ludwig Maximilian University in Munich with a research focus on machine learning in information networks and co-leader of the "Technological Enablers and Data Science" working group of Plattform Lernende Systeme.

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AI in journalism: Opportunities and limits for use in media houses

Artificial Intelligence (AI) can support balanced, trustworthy journalism in the digital age. Self-learning AI systems relieve journalists of the burden of researching, disseminating, and creating media content, thus creating free space for high-quality journalistic activities. At the same time, the use of AI poses challenges for the working reality of media professionals and the open formation of opinion in democracy. In a recent white paper, experts from Plattform Lernende Systeme show how AI tools can be used responsibly in journalism and what framework conditions need to be created for this.

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AI in Germany: Monitoring of Plattform Lernende Systeme shows status quo and potentials

What is the state of Artificial Intelligence (AI) research in Germany? To what extent is the transfer from science to industry successful? Where are skills in AI being taught and how widespread are they among employees? The new AI monitoring of Plattform Lernende Systeme provides key figures on this - and thus shows the status quo as well as development potentials in research and transfer of AI in Germany.

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With AI to sustainable growth - Plattform Lernende Systeme presents the Progress Report 2022

Artificial Intelligence (AI) makes an important contribution to sustainable development and the innovative capacity of our economy and society. It enables more efficient business processes, new business models and major advances in medicine, mobility or climate-friendly energy generation. In its latest progress report, Plattform Lernende Systeme outlines how we can harness the potential of AI and accelerate the transfer from research to practice.

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Digital Summit 2022: Plattform Lernende Systeme presents agricultural robot

Artificial Intelligence (AI) can support sustainable agriculture: The AI-supported field robot from the University of Hohenheim can distinguish crops from weeds using image recognition and weeds the latter independently in the field - without the use of pesticides. At this year's Digital Summit, Plattform Lernende Systeme presented the agricultural robot to German Chancellor Olaf Scholz as well as Federal Minister of the Interior Nancy Faeser and Federal Minister of Transport Volker Wissing.

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Digital Summit: AI skills as a prerequisite for a successful data economy

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data economics strengthen the competitiveness of the economy: They contribute to more efficient business processes and enable new business models. The prerequisite for the successful use of AI in companies is an AI- and data-savvy workforce. At the German government's Digital Summit on December 9 in Berlin, Federal Research Minister Bettina Stark-Watzinger and Reinhard Ploss, both co-chairs of Plattform Lernende Systeme, will discuss what qualifications are needed and what hurdles the shortage of skilled workers poses for companies, along with computer science professor Ute Schmid.

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Green AI as an environmental competitive advantage for Europe

Low-emission mobility, climate-friendly energy supply, clean industrial production or optimized circular economy - Artificial Intelligence (AI) can contribute to climate protection in many ways. At the same time, the development and deployment of AI systems is often itself accompanied by high resource consumption. Where the technology can best unleash its potential and what needs to be done to keep the ecological footprint of AI applications low is explained in an interview by Oliver Zielinski, head of the Competence Center AI for Environment and Sustainability (DFKI4planet) and member of Plattform Lernende Systeme.

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Large neural networks: The next step towards self-aware AI?

Is Artificial Intelligence on the way to developing its own consciousness? The discussion about this is in full swing - not least since Google researcher Blake Lemoine attested to the language model for dialogs LaMDA that it communicates like "a seven or eight-year-old child". How should this assessment be evaluated? What characterizes human consciousness? And why do people tend to anthropomorphize technology? Computer scientist and psychologist Ute Schmid provides answers to these questions. She is a professor of cognitive systems at the University of Bamberg and heads the Technological Enablers and Data Science working group at Plattform Lernende Systeme.

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Distributed Machine Learning: Improved data protection for AI applications?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) supports people in medicine, mobility and everyday work. The basis for AI systems is training with data – often also personal information. The method of distributed Machine Learning (ML) can improve data protection in the development of AI applications because the data used is not bundled centrally, but remains on the end devices and thus with the users. However, this can also create new points of attack for cybercriminals. A concise overview of the potential and risks of distributed Machine Learning is provided in the first issue of AI at a Glance, a new publication series of Plattform Lernende Systeme.

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Sustainable use of AI: How do employees remain at the center?

Digitalization and the increasing use of AI systems are profoundly changing jobs - both in industry and in the service sector. What needs to be done to ensure that the use of AI contributes to socially sustainable development, in other words: puts people at the center and contributes to a sustainable, globally just and livable society? Nadine Müller, Head of Innovation and Good Work at the United Services Union ver.di and member of Plattform Lernende Systeme, provides answers in this interview.

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Guidepost of Plattform Lernende Systeme: How companies are using AI to do business more sustainably

Artificial Intelligence (AI) can help companies to operate in an ecologically compatible, socially just and successful manner. On the other hand, the use of AI systems can also run counter to operational sustainability goals, for example due to the high resource consumption of the technology itself. With its new publication, Plattform Lernende Systeme provides companies with strategic recommendations and numerous practical examples that show how the sustainable use of AI in the company can succeed. The experts advise strategically linking innovation and sustainability management in the company. This requires a comprehensive data infrastructure and digital skills.

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Large neural networks: Towards self-aware AI?

Is Artificial Intelligence on the way to developing its own consciousness? The discussion about this is in full swing - not least since Google researcher Blake Lemoine attested to the language model for dialogs LaMDA that it communicates like "a seven- or eight-year-old child who happens to have a clue about physics. How should this assessment be evaluated? What distinguishes large neural networks from other AI systems? And: What role will they play in the future and in international competition? Stefan Wrobel, Director of Fraunhofer IAIS, answers these questions in an interview.

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How AI innovations in health are getting to patients faster

AI systems can help find tumors, control insulin pumps or assist during operations. But on their way from research to healthcare, AI innovations in Germany have to overcome many hurdles. Karsten Hiltawsky explains the challenges facing manufacturers of medical AI products and what needs to change so that people benefit more quickly from the innovations. He is Head of Corporate Technology and Innovation at Dräger and head of the Health Care, Medical Technology, Care working group of Plattform Lernende Systeme.

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Companies in the age of AI: "Freedom for human-centered, cooperative personnel management and innovation"

Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the world of work - and with it leadership in companies and institutions. Its use can relieve managers, but also raises ethical and labor law issues. Rahild Neuburger explains which management tasks AI systems can support and what needs to be taken into account to ensure the successful introduction of AI in companies. She is a senior lecturer at the LMU Munich School of Management at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München and a member of the Work/Qualification and Human-Machine Interaction working group of the Learning Systems Platform.

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Office of the future: How to succeed in collaboration with AI assistants

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing everyday work in offices and factories. It is not only in industrial production that intelligent robots support people with heavy tasks. In the near future, AI-based assistance software will also be able to take over monotonous routine tasks and employ people at their desks. At the same time, its use poses challenges for all those involved - for example, in the handling of personal data or the humane design of working conditions. A fictitious application scenario from Plattform Lernende Systeme shows how employees benefit from a so-called information butler and how its introduction in the company succeeds.

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Artificial Intelligence and leadership: How the use of AI systems succeeds

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the world of work - and with it leadership in companies and institutions. AI systems can relieve managers of routine tasks and free up time for personnel management, strategic planning and change management in the AI age. However, the AI-supported automation of management tasks raises data protection and labor law issues as well as organizational questions and can therefore unsettle employees. People must always remain at the center, say the authors of a recent white paper from Plattform Lernende Systeme. What is needed is a management culture based on participation, openness and transparency.

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Getting girls excited about AI: Trying it out promotes confidence in their own abilities

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is already making our lives and work easier today - as a driving assistance system in cars, as a control element in production or as a recommendation system for online shopping. For the future, self-learning algorithms are considered a key technology for whose development and application specialists are urgently sought. Many universities have already launched corresponding courses of study. On the occasion of the nationwide Girls' Day, Ute Schmid explains why girls and women in particular should concern themselves with Artificial Intelligence and what role models there are. She is Professor of Cognitive Systems at the University of Bamberg and a member of Plattform Lernende Systeme.

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Simply explained: What is and can Artificial Intelligence do?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is considered a key digital technology of the future. AI-based computer systems can control traffic, optimize production processes and support doctors in diagnosis. We have long been using AI systems in our everyday lives via smartphones. But what exactly is AI and how does it work? What distinguishes weak AI from strong AI? And what challenges are associated with the use of self-learning computer programs? Volker Tresp answers these questions in an interview. He is a professor at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich with a research focus on machine learning in information networks and a member of Plattform Lernende Systeme.

 

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AI for health: New innovation processes and financing channels

Artificial Intelligence (AI) can improve medicine and care. Commercially viable business models help to bring AI innovations to the breadth of the healthcare system. However, the financing and approval of AI applications poses major challenges for medical technology companies, many of which are medium-sized. A recent white paper from Plattform Lernende Systeme discusses new business models and innovation processes that take into account the specifics of AI. In order for patients to benefit from the opportunities offered by this key technology, new instruments for cost coverage and advice centers for small and medium-sized enterprises are needed, it says.

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Artificial Intelligence: How to prevent its misuse

Self-learning systems can also be used contrary to their actual purpose and harm society and the economy. A current white paper from Plattform Lernende Systeme shows how AI systems can be protected. The experts use realistic application scenarios to illustrate possible challenges and specify concrete precautions to prevent misuse. Their conclusion: From the development to the disposal of an AI system, potential gateways for a malicious application can and must be closed. In addition to technical and organizational precautions, this also includes a responsible approach to AI in society.

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From a helpful to a criminally used tool: Protecting AI from misuse

Artificial Intelligence is a helpful tool that can make people's work and everyday lives easier in a variety of ways. At the same time, AI systems, which are often highly networked and partly embedded in other systems, can also be used for illegal purposes. Protecting them from misuse is an important task. Using the example of digital image processing, Detlef Houdeau (Infineon AG and member of the IT Security, Privacy, Legal and Ethical Framework working group) outlines how AI algorithms help professional and amateur photographers to take better pictures - but can also be used with criminal intent to forge travel documents.

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Sustainable business with Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence (AI) can contribute to the success of the energy transition, low-emission mobility or environmentally friendly agriculture: the use of the technology opens up new business models for companies that support sustainable development in the economy and society. However, the energy consumption in the use and development of AI applications is often high. Markus Schnell, Senior Director Software and Tools at Infineon Technologies AG and member of the Business Model Innovations working group, explains how companies can use AI to make their operations sustainable and how the ecological footprint of AI systems themselves can be reduced.

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AI as a key technology for sustainable economic activity

Artificial Intelligence (AI) can make an important contribution to a sustainable orientation of the economy and society. The use of the technology opens up new business models for companies that support the success of the energy transition, low-emission mobility or environmentally friendly agriculture, for example. However, the energy consumption of the AI systems themselves is often high. A current white paper by Plattform Lernende Systeme shows how sustainable business models can be created with the help of AI and identifies design options that can reduce the ecological footprint of AI systems. In addition to technological measures, the experts recommend a broad exchange of data between companies, research and public authorities.

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AI in medicine and care: Using opportunities responsibly

Artificial Intelligence (AI) can make an important contribution to improving medicine and care. Where the greatest potentials and hurdles lie for the use of AI in healthcare and what we need to do to use what is technically possible in a responsible way were discussed by AI experts at the third webtalk in the "AI.Impulse" series of Plattform Lernende Systeme. The event, which took place on 16 December at the Urania Berlin and virtually, was supported by Berlin Partner and the Cluster Gesundheitswirtschaft Berlin-Brandenburg.

 

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Trustworthy AI: "The Systems need a regular technical examination"

The EU Commission wants to regulate by law what Artificial Intelligence may and may not do. In its draft AI law, the Commission has defined a catalogue of criteria that will be used in future to assess the risks, the so-called criticality, of an AI system. Depending on the level of risk, an AI system can be banned, must meet certain requirements before it is introduced to the market. Armin Grunwald, professor of philosophy of technology at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and head of the Office of Technology Assessment at the German Bundestag (TAB), explains why the assessment of risks in Artificial Intelligence is particularly difficult.

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AI on the job: "We will work more flexibly and more mobilely".

Artificial Intelligence (AI) will change our working world - in the factory as well as in the office. AI-based software and robots can support people in monotonous and physically demanding tasks. Central to successful cooperation with AI systems is the qualification of employees. Wilhelm Bauer, Director of the Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering IAO and Co-Head of the Future of Work and Human-Machine Interaction working group of Plattform Lernende Systeme, explains which skills are important in the AI age and how companies can qualify their employees to work with AI systems.

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Fit for AI? Companies underestimate the need for further training

Companies generally expect that the use of AI will place new demands on employees - and want to qualify skilled workers and managers accordingly. Above all, technical skills in dealing with AI systems are not yet sufficiently available in the companies. These are the results of a recent online survey of companies conducted by the Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering IAO and the University of Augsburg for Plattform Lernende Systeme. The authors of the study warn against underestimating the need for further training of the low-skilled. Employees across all job profiles need to be empowered to work with AI systems. Besides technical skills, it is also about social skills.

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AI regulation: How to design trustworthy systems

To ensure that safe applications are used, the European Commission wants to regulate AI systems according to their risks. Experts from Plattform Lernende Systeme consider this approach necessary, but not sufficient to create trustworthy AI systems. They demand that the concrete application context of a system must be taken into account, as well as complaint bodies and clear liability rules. In a current white paper, they name additional criteria to be able to assess the risk potential of an AI system and show how responsibility for damage should be divided between actors.

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Focusing on the common good: How we shape AI responsibly

Artificial Intelligence is a powerful tool that can be used to improve processes and develop new products and services. Many things are technically possible. But with what goal do we want to use AI as a society? A broad socio-political discourse on this is necessary to create framework conditions within which technical applications can be successfully developed and implemented. Jessica Heesen explains in an interview how this can succeed. The philosopher and media ethicist heads the research focus on media ethics and information technology at the International Centre for Ethics in the Sciences and Humanities at the University of Tübingen as well as the working group "IT Security, Privacy, Legal and Ethical Framework" of Plattform Lernende Systeme.

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Fit for AI: Which skills will become important in the working world

Artificial Intelligence (AI) will change the everyday working lives of many employees. The division of labor between humans and technology requires new skills. The central challenge for the successful introduction of AI systems in companies is therefore the further training of employees. In a recent white paper, experts from Plattform Lernende Systeme analyze examples of the competencies required for various job profiles and how these can be developed in six task-oriented steps.

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Artificial Intelligence simply explained: New knowledge portal "KI Konkret"

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is considered a key technology and will change our everyday lives and work. Nevertheless, many citizens have only a vague idea of what is meant by it. The new web offering www.ki-konkret.de from Plattform Lernende Systeme provides a sound introduction to the topic - and explains in a clear way how AI works, where it is already being used today and in the near future, and what challenges it poses for society.

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Artificial Intelligence and elections: How election campaigns and opinion formation are changing

Social bots spreading false information on social networks, deep fakes or data abuse for voter manipulation - at the latest since the last presidential election in the USA, there has been discussion about the influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on opinion formation in the run-up to democratic elections. In this context, AI systems can also help detect so-called fake news on social media platforms or give people individual election recommendations according to their political attitudes. Political scientist Prof. Dr. Christoph Bieber explains what challenges and potential AI systems hold for democratic elections. He is head of the AI Governance project at the University of Duisburg-Essen and a member of the "IT Security, Privacy, Legal and Ethical Framework" working group of Plattform Lernende Systeme.

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More opportunities than threats: Artificial Intelligence in elections

We also encounter Artificial Intelligence (AI) in democratic elections. AI-controlled social bots in social media or deepfakes aim to influence the election decision. On the other hand, AI systems can provide people with individual voting recommendations and assist in detecting fake news. Which AI applications can be used in elections and where their potential and challenges lie is examined by Plattform Lernende Systeme in a current white paper.

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Technologies, research, study programs: Map on AI provides overview of Artificial Intelligence in Germany

In the coming years, Artificial Intelligence (AI) will become a driver of the economy and thus an important location factor – also for Germany. The Map on AI of Plattform Lernende Systeme – Germany’s Platform for Artificial Intelligence shows where AI solutions are already being used, which institutes are conducting research into basic principles and applications, and which universities are training the next generation of AI experts. The continuously updated website is now available in its entirety in English.

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Factory of the future: How to succeed in collaboration with intelligent robots

Robots have long been a reality in large factories today. In a few years, supported by Artificial Intelligence (AI), they will also be able to assist employees in assembly in small companies. The prerequisite is that collaboration with the learning machines is safe and that people retain motivating, self-determined activities. In a fictitious application scenario, Plattform Lernende Systeme takes a look at the future of industrial work. The interactive graphic illustrates how collaboration with AI-based robot systems will change and what needs to be done to ensure that employees benefit from the self-learning tools.

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Master's programs in Data Science: GI and Plattform Lernende Systeme offer recommendations

Data form the basis of an increasingly digitally networked society. The ability to use them to generate insights for science and beneficial applications for society and business is becoming a key competence. The Gesellschaft für Informatik e.V. (GI), in collaboration with Plattform Lernende Systeme, has published recommendations for the design of Data Science master's degree programs. They are intended to serve as a basis for the accreditation of corresponding study programs.

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AI and elections: Threat or Opportunity for Democracy?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly changing the way we live. AI systems are also being used in democratic elections. In the run-up to the 2021 Bundestag elections, Plattform Lernende Systeme organised a virtual background discussion in cooperation with the Science Press Conference on 24 June to discuss the opportunities, but also the risks, of AI in relation to elections.

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AI in SMEs: Roadmaps and practical examples for getting started

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a key technology for the future competitiveness of companies of all sizes. However, German SMEs have hardly taken advantage of these opportunities so far. In a recent publication, Plattform Lernende Systeme shows the potential of AI using successful practical examples from SMEs and provides companies with concrete implementation plans for the introduction of intelligent systems.

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Automated driving: "Trust comes from experience".

Self-driving cars on the roads are only conceivable in a few years. Intermodal testing and learning is still underway. The trust that drivers place in AI-supported assistance systems is crucial for the acceptance of automated vehicles. In the application scenario 'On the Way to Intelligent Mobility' developed by Plattform Lernende Systeme, the interaction between the protagonist Carla and her automated vehicle works well. Dr Corina Apachiţe explains in an interview how trust is created and what challenges still exist. She heads the Artificial Intelligence department at Continental Automotive and is responsible for the overall technical strategy and operational implementation.

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Intelligent travel planning: How data is secure in the mobility system of the future

Intelligent apps for route planning, for example, will enable individual, time-saving and thus resource-saving travel in the future. However, such travel assistants require large amounts of data, including sensitive personal data - a challenge for data protection. How data security and data management can be guaranteed for AI-based travel assistants is shown in the new white paper by Plattform Lernende Systeme.

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Putting AI to work: Knowledge transfer as a joint task

There is a need to catch up in the transfer of AI knowledge to marketable AI-based applications. In a recent white paper, experts from Plattform Lernende Systeme show how the exchange of research results and application knowledge between science and companies can succeed and identify design options. They recommend promoting the training and recruitment of AI talent, cooperation between educational institutions and industry, and suitable framework conditions in companies and universities.

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AI map of Plattform Lernende Systeme: Intelligent assistance systems lead the way in applications

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the next stage of digitalization and can support humans as an effective tool. In numerous industries, AI-based applications are already in use or are at an advanced project stage. The continuously expanded AI map of Plattform Lernende Systeme shows how diverse the application fields of self-learning software systems are and what added value they promise. More than 1,000 AI applications from Germany are now listed there.

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Assistance robots in nursing: "The aim must be to improve the quality of nursing care".

More than four million people in Germany are currently dependent on nursing care, and their number will increase significantly in the coming years as a result of demographic developments. Some care tasks could be taken over by assistance robots in the future. Elisabeth André explains which tasks they are suitable for, to what extent their use is to the benefit of professionals and those in need of care, and what needs to be taken into account when developing care robots. She is Chair of Human-Centered Multimedia at the Interdisciplinary Institute of Informatics of the University of Augsburg. At Plattform Lernende Systeme, Elisabeth André heads the working group "Future of Work and Human-Machine Interaction"

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How AI can support care: Application scenario shows opportunities and limits

Whether service robots, intelligent walkers or lifting aids for transferring patients - technical assistance systems can support people in need of care as well as their relatives and caregivers in the near future with the help of Artificial Intelligence (AI). In a current application scenario, the Plattform Lernende Systeme illustrates a care situation that could be reality in a few years. A multimedia graphic (in German) illustrates how AI systems can enable a stroke patient to lead a self-determined life at home and which questions still need to be clarified along the way.

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Trustworthy AI systems: "Certificates can provide orientation"

Artificial Intelligence (AI) can make our everyday lives easier, traffic safer and healthcare better. But realizing this potential requires trustworthy AI systems that people are happy to use. Certification of AI can increase trust in the technology. Jörn Müller-Quade explains what specifics need to be considered when certifying AI and why not all AI systems need to undergo testing. The professor researches cryptography and learning systems at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology. He is also head of the "IT Security" working group of Plattform Lernende Systeme.

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"Ensuring real empowerment: How employees can help shape the introduction of AI in the company

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing our working world. AI systems can relieve employees of their tasks and streamline work processes. However, the introduction of the technology in companies is also associated with challenges. For it to be a success for both employees and companies, structured change management is required. Oliver Suchy explains what is involved and how companies can best prepare their employees for the change. He is head of the "Digital Working Worlds and Working World Reporting" department of the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) and a member of the Future of Work and Human-Machine Interaction working group of Plattform Lernende Systeme.

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AI in hazardous environments: Only as much human intervention as necessary

Self-learning robots and AI systems can provide support in space, in the deep sea or in the event of disasters - by exploring unexplored terrain or carrying out work in dangerous regions. To do this, the technical systems must act as autonomously as possible, but at the same time always remain under the ultimate control of humans. Jürgen Beyerer explains in this interview how these requirements can be implemented and where there is still a need for research. He is a professor of computer science at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and director of the Fraunhofer Institute of Optronics, System Technologies and Image Exploitation IOSB. At Plattform Lernende Systeme, he heads the "Hostile-to-life Environments” working group.

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AI in SMEs: Identifying opportunities in the value chain

Many SMEs are still reluctant to use Artificial Intelligence (AI). A first starting point is the analysis of their own value chain: Where and how can AI support them as a powerful computing tool? Professor Dr. Alexander Löser explains in an interview how SMEs can benefit from AI in concrete terms, what process steps are involved and why the introduction of AI requires a willingness to fail. He is the founder and spokesman of the Data Science Research Center at the Beuth University of Applied Sciences in Berlin and a member of the "Technological Enablers and Data Science" working group of Plattform Lernende Systeme.

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How machines learn: Plattform Lernende Systeme presents video tutorials with students

Artificial Intelligence is on everyone's lips, and Machine Learning is an important driver of current technological development. But how do intelligent computer systems learn to solve tasks independently? An eight-part video tutorial series from Plattform Lernende Systeme conveys this in a clear way. Using catchy examples and supported by modern graphics, three students explain the basics as well as applications of Machine Learning in the approximately five-minute clips.

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Sustainable mobility with AI: How to create sustainable business models for travel and transport

Artificial Intelligence (AI) can help to intelligently network transport systems, making them more flexible, economical and sustainable. This is accompanied by completely new business models. For an intelligently networked transport area to succeed, AI-based mobility platforms must connect companies of all sizes and sectors. This is the central result of a current white paper of Plattform Lernende Systeme. The authors show how travel and transport companies can adapt their business to the digital age and present possible AI-based solutions - from intelligent ports to last mile delivery robots and valet parking. They outline the framework conditions to be created in order to realise sustainable AI business models in the mobility sector.

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Certification of AI: Plattform Lernende Systeme names test criteria

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is already used in many industries. To exploit its economic and social potential, it is essential that people trust AI systems and the processes and decisions associated with them. Certification of AI systems can help to increase trust in the technology. It is important to choose the right level of certification in order to maintain the innovative strength of Germany as a business location. In a current white paper, Plattform Lernende Systeme shows when and according to which criteria AI systems should be certified and how an effective testing infrastructure can be designed.

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Sustainable with AI: Plattform Lernende Systeme takes a stand

The Corona crisis is driving digital change and thus the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI systems make an important contribution to crisis management. However, the pandemic also reveals where they are not yet able to develop their full social and economic potential. In a position paper, the steering committee of Plattform Lernende Systeme formulates approaches for the future-oriented design of AI in Germany and Europe in order to be able to better meet future crises and to strengthen competitiveness. Trustworthy, certifiable AI solutions, efficient, secure data rooms and infrastructures as well as AI competencies are necessary.

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Good change management: How AI becomes successful in companies

Artificial Intelligence (AI) will change the everyday working lives of many employees. The use of AI systems in companies offers many opportunities for both employees and companies. At the same time, the introduction of AI poses challenges for all those involved - such as the handling of personal data or the humane design of working conditions. A current white paper of Plattform Lernende Systeme shows by means of concrete solutions and practical examples, how companies introduce AI systems both in terms of employees and economic success and how change processes can be successful.

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Competencies and sovereign infrastructure: How successful AI is created with Data Science

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the next stage of digitisation and promises great benefits for the economy and society. The basis for successful AI applications is data. In order to exploit the potential of Artificial Intelligence, comprehensive data management is needed to make the available data accessible in the first place. A current whitepaper of Plattform Lernende Systeme shows the importance of the interdisciplinary research branch Data Science as a key discipline for science as well as economy and names options for action. The experts suggest that knowledge of data management should also be taught in courses of study that are not related to IT and in schools and recommend an independent data infrastructure.

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Something with AI and data: Plattform Lernende Systeme gives overview of study programmes

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is considered a key technology of the future and will increasingly become part of industrial and private software applications. Closely linked to the development of AI systems is the preparation and analysis of existing data, called data science. This is a future-oriented field of work for high school graduates. The interactive AI map of Plattform Lernende Systeme now shows at which universities in Germany they can find courses of study that focus on AI and data science or only deal with some of them.

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From data to intelligent systems: Data Science as the key to successful AI

Medical assistance systems, software for fraud detection or the predictive maintenance of industrial plants promise great benefits. Co-Author Kai-Uwe Sattler, Professor of Databases and Information Systems at the TU Ilmenau, explains why it is important to have the "right" data, what is meant by data engineering and what skills data science experts need. He is a member of the working group "Technological Pioneers and Data Science" of the Plattform Lernende Systeme and co-author of the white paper "From Data to AI".

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Sovereignty and cooperation: Towards a strong European AI ecosystem

The current corona crisis is accelerating digitisation in the economy and society - and thus also the use of artificial intelligence (AI). However, the pandemic is also revealing the weaknesses of digitisation in Europe: where data as a basis for AI is lacking, where bottlenecks in data processing become apparent, the technology cannot develop its full potential. The three-day European Big Data Value Forum 2020, which opened yesterday as part of the German EU Council Presidency, will focus on how secure and high-performance data rooms and infrastructures can be realised across Europe and how successful, trustworthy AI can be created from Europe on this basis. Plattform Lernende Systeme is a partner of this year's forum.

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AI in medicine and care: patients see more opportunities than risks

Artificial Intelligence (AI) can improve health care and support nurses and doctors in diagnoses and therapy decisions. Patient representatives see the use of AI-based assistance systems in medicine and nursing predominantly as an opportunity. This is the result of a qualitative survey, which Plattform Lernende Systeme presents in a current conference report. The majority of those questioned hope for more personalised treatment and a more comprehensive and faster diagnosis. The patient representatives name the misuse of their data and incorrect or discriminatory decisions made on the basis of AI systems as risks.

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Develop and apply AI responsibly: Plattform Lernende Systeme publishes guide

Artificial Intelligence can make our everyday life easier and help to solve global challenges. To what extent AI-based systems are actually used depends largely on whether people trust the technology. Ethical values and principles play a central role here. Plattform Lernende Systeme has now written a guideline and specifies requirements for responsible AI development and application in companies.

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Responsibility in technology development: How does ethics get into AI?

Artificial Intelligence promises many beneficial applications. The extent to which these are actually realised depends largely on whether people have confidence in the technology. What challenges arise for the responsible development and application of AI systems? According to which criteria should they be implemented? And what can companies do to apply AI without discrimination? Answers to these questions can be found in a guideline that was developed by the IT Security, Privacy, Law and Ethics working group of Plattform Lernende Systeme under the direction of Jessica Heesen.

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AI for SMEs: Plattform Lernende Systeme delivers guidelines

The digital age is changing production processes and value chains worldwide - and thus poses great challenges for companies. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in particular are often unaware of the data treasures they have at their disposal in their operations - and how these can be harnessed using methods of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning. Plattform Lernende Systeme shows small and medium-sized enterprises with a special web offer (in German) how they can benefit from the use of Artificial Intelligence and where they can find information, public funding and practical support.

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How Corona is changing our approach to Artificial Intelligence

The corona crisis accelerates digitization. Home offices, video conferences and learning platforms are part of our so-called "new normality". However, the challenges of digitization can also be viewed as if under a magnifying glass in the pandemic. How do we deal with the risks for data protection and IT security, for example? What impact will the pandemic have on our use of technology? And will we make greater use of Artificial Intelligence in our everyday lives? Experts from Plattform Lernende Systeme and acatech discussed these questions with citizens at the Political Academy Tutzing from September 9 to 10.

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AI in Germany: Extended map provides overview of research, applications and transfer

Which AI applications are already in use in Germany today? Where is research being conducted into the fundamentals and applications of Artificial Intelligence? And who supports companies in the introduction of AI in their operations? The continuously expanding Map on AI of Plattform Lernende Systeme provides an overview of AI applications, research institutions and transfer centres in Germany - now also in an English version.

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Communicating knowledge to AI - Web-Talk about practical experiences

Applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) are finding their way into more and more areas of life. At the same time, many people are still not quite clear about what is behind the technology. How can the functioning, applications, opportunities and challenges of Artificial Intelligence (AI) be successfully communicated to a broad public? This question was the focus of a web-talk to which the Bavarian Research Institute for Digital Transformation (bidt) also invited representatives of the Plattform Lernende Systeme on July 17, 2020.

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AI-based business models: Raising data treasures together with partners

Companies must enrich their physical products with intelligent services and change their business models accordingly in order to remain internationally competitive. This requires new forms of cooperation in so-called digital value-added networks. Svenja Falk, Managing Director at Accenture Research, explains the advantages of these networks and why data- and AI-driven applications are also interesting for SMEs.

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Best practice for companies: How to turn data into successful business models

From intelligent failure forecasts for production lines to data-based monitoring in greenhouses and AI-controlled hand prostheses - Plattform Lernende Systeme uses a total of 13 practical examples from SMEs and industry to illustrate in its current report how new business models can be developed from data. The study shows: Collaboration and the sharing of data, technologies and skills in businessnetworks will be essential for companies in the future if they are to remain competitive in a digitalised economy.

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Web-Talks on the transformation of the economy

In the coming years, Artificial Intelligence (AI) will fundamentally change both entrepreneurial business models and many jobs - in large corporations as well as in medium-sized companies. This is because the intelligent linking of corporate data will enable new products and services to be developed and processes to be optimised. Learning assistance systems can support employees individually in their work. Where we stand on the way to an AI-supported economy and what challenges this poses for entrepreneurs and employees was discussed by experts from Plattform Lernende Systeme in two web-talks with virtual guests on 6 July.

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Intelligent Data Analysis: How SMEs benefit from Data Engineering

In the age of digitalisation, data are considered treasures, the value of which many companies are not yet aware of. Through Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, they can be made usable - even for small and medium-sized companies. Olga Mordvinova, founder and managing director of the AI start-up incontext.technology GmbH, explains how intelligent data analysis can support them in improving existing processes or developing new business models.

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Dialogue with citizens: Data protection as the highest good?

Who protects our data? Who decides what is private and whether there is a right to data ownership? These questions were discussed by Claudia Eckert from the Technical University of Munich and Jörn Müller-Quade from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) - both members of Plattform Lernende Systeme - on June 30th at acatech on Tuesday via Zoom with the guests who were connected. The event was held for the first time together with vhs.wissen live and the Bavarian Adult Education Association.

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Criteria for AI in the company: How the cooperation with employees is successful

The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the world of work fundamentally changes the division of tasks between man and machine. Learning AI systems can perform increasingly complex tasks independently and work hand in hand with the employees. A current whitepaper shows how the division of labour between man and AI can be shaped in the interest of the employees.

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AI versus Corona: How Artificial Intelligence makes logistics more resilient

Logistics is a highly complex and networked system, which is today still mostly optimized manually, both within and across companies - and is quickly impaired in the event of unforeseen events. Sören Kerner, head of the Automation and Embedded Systems department at the Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics IML, explains how logistics processes can be optimized with the help of AI and what obstacles currently stand in the way.

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What is, can and may Artificial Intelligence? - Advanced training for teachers on Digital Day 2020

Artificial Intelligence has long since arrived in the everyday lives of many people. But what is AI anyway, what developments and applications can be expected and what questions does this raise for society? On the occasion of the nationwide Digital Day on June 19, the Plattform Lernende Systeme, acatech and the Bayerische Landeszentrale für politische Bildungsarbeit invited to a virtual advanced training for teachers on the topic of AI.

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Strengthening the resilience of our economy and society: Plattform Lernende Systeme emphasises contribution of AI and digitisation

The corona pandemic poses unprecedented challenges for the economy and society. Solutions and strategies are needed to overcome the current crisis and to create a "New Normal" in the post-crisis phase. The Steering Committee of Plattform Lernende Systeme discussed the potential of digitisation and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in its seventh session, which was held as a web conference. Further topics were the current work priorities of the platform.

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Certification of AI Systems: Plattform Lernende Systeme names Challenges

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is already used in many industries. In order to exploit its economic and social potential, it is essential to strengthen trust in AI systems and the processes and decisions associated with them. A possible key prerequisite for this is the certification of AI systems. The benefits it promises and the demands it makes in terms of technical implementation, public welfare and maintaining innovative strength are outlined by experts from the Plattform Lernende Systeme in a discussion paper. It provides an overview of existing certification projects in Germany and forms the basis for further discussions.

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AI versus Corona: How can intelligent robotics be supportive?

Artificial Intelligence methods can contribute in many ways to meeting current challenges of the corona pandemic. Prof. Dr. Frank Kirchner, head of the Robotics Innovation Center at the Bremen site of the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI), provides an overview of potential applications, practical limitations and important research priorities. 

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Focus on the patient: Safe AI systems in medicine

Thomas Schauf, Senior Expert Public and Regulatory Affairs at Deutsche Telekom AG, together with other members of Plattform Lernende Systeme, has examined data management and IT security when using AI in medicine in a current white paper. In our interview he explains how patient data can be protected and how access to sensitive information can be regulated.

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AI research in Europe: Cooperation instead of individual achievements

How can Europe move forward in the global race for technological leadership in Artificial Intelligence? Katharina Morik, Professor for Artificial Intelligence at the TU Dortmund University and member of the Plattform Lernende Systeme, coordinates the cooperation of the AI competence centres in Germany and France on the German side. In our interview, she explains why European countries need to join forces in AI research.

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Data Science: "Training exactly the specialists we need"

Data Scientists are desperately sought. The Gesellschaft für Informatik e.V. (Society for Computer Science) has defined the skills that need to be taught at colleges and universities, but also through further education courses. (GI) in cooperation with Plattform Lernende Systeme. Co-author Ulf Brefeld from the Leuphana University of Lüneburg explains why the target groups are very different.

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AI for SMEs: Starting together with partners

Digitisation is not an end in itself for SMEs, but a prerequisite for them to operate successfully in an increasingly networked economy. Many small and medium-sized companies still lack clear ideas about how they should approach the future topic of Artificial Intelligence for themselves. Susanne Boll-Westermann from the University of Oldenburg explains which questions they should ask themselves and why networking with other players is so important.

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New business models with AI: experimental approach required

The intelligent use and linking of data enables new forms of entrepreneurial cooperation and completely new business models. In the future, products and services can be adapted to the individual wishes and needs of customers. This raises the question for companies: How can they use AI for their business or develop new AI-based business models? Our member Andreas Liebl provides answers to these questions.

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Plattform Lernende Systeme’s extended map provides an overview of Germany’s AI credentials

When the German Federal Government published its National Strategy for AI, it provided a framework for establishing the international competitiveness of Artificial Intelligence made in Germany. To coincide with this, Germany’s federal states are also driving forward the development and application of AI. Putting the knowledge gained from research into practice is a vital factor in commercial success. The AI map created by Plattform Lernende Systeme extends this initiative’s comprehensive overview of AI applications and research institutions, indicating the federal states’ strategic goals and the locations where regional transfer hubs are overseeing implementation.

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The race in IT security – PLS highlights opportunities and risks of Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence (AI) will improve the security of IT systems in the future. In the hands of cybercriminals, on the other hand, it opens up whole new avenues of attack for threatening IT security. The AI systems themselves also have to be protected from manipulation. The “Artificial Intelligence and IT security” white paper published by Plattform Lernende Systeme for Hannover Messe 2019 analyses the dynamic between IT security and AI. The authors, who are drawn from the fields of business, science and public authorities, call on small and medium-sized enterprises and IT specialists in particular to help build up core skills.

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AI development: Much more than just programming

Self-learning systems will penetrate our everyday life in the coming years, and skilled workers are already desperately needed. Reason enough for young people to think about doing "something with AI" in their careers. Our member Elsa A. explains why the topic is fascinating and what is important in AI development. Kirchner on the occasion of the nationwide Girl's Day.

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A brief history of AI – PLS launches explanatory film

To mark the start of “Year of Science 2019 – Artificial Intelligence”, Plattform Lernende Systeme is tracing the development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) since its earliest days. A five-minute explanatory film illustrates the different stages of the technology’s development, milestones in AI applications and the challenges that lie ahead.

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"AI portrays society with all its injustices."

Regina Ammicht Quinn, spokeswoman of the International Centre for Ethics in the Sciences and Humanities (IZEW) at the Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, explains in an interview on the occasion of International Women's Day why diversity in AI research and development is an important prerequisite for gender equality and what is still needed to achieve this.

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Safer Internet Day: AI - Friend or foe?

Phishing mails, false online requests or fake news - on Safer Internet Day the focus is on security in the network and of IT systems. In an interview, Holger Hanselka, steering committee member of Plattform Lernende Systeme and President of KIT, explains how AI can improve IT security and where it opens up entry points for new threats.

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Using AI to fight lung cancer – application scenario from Plattform Lernende Systeme

Cancer patients should be able to benefit more swiftly from research findings. This is the aim behind the National Decade Against Cancer, which was recently launched by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). In its latest application scenario, Plattform Lernende Systeme demonstrates how Artificial Intelligence (AI) will be able to improve the recovery chances of cancer patients in the near future.

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Plattform Lernende Systeme at the Digital Summit – harnessing Artificial Intelligence for growth and better quality of life

Germany has the potential to become a sustainable hub for innovative Artificial Intelligence where self-learning systems ensure growth and better quality of life. At the Digital Summit organised by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, the panel of experts from Plattform Lernende Systeme, demonstrated that achieving this goal calls for industry, SMEs, researchers and politicians to work together.

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The German federal government’s AI strategy – Plattform Lernende Systeme organises public debate

Germany’s federal government today finalised its Artificial Intelligence (AI) strategy. The goal is to establish “AI made in Germany” as a seal of quality for conscientious AI and make up ground lost to international competitors. Plattform Lernende Systeme – Germany’s platform for Artificial Intelligence – is to contribute to broad societal dialogue on AI.

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Plattform Lernende Systeme is broadening the public debate on AI

Plattform Lernende Systeme is bringing the societal debate on Artificial Intelligence to a wider audience. The decision to do so was taken by the Steering Committee of the platform – an initiative of the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) – on 30 October in Berlin.

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Change to joint leadership: Karl-Heinz Streibich joins the leadership team at Plattform Lernende Systeme

Dieter Spath, President of acatech – the German National Academy of Science and Engineering, is stepping down from his position as Co-Chair of Plattform Lernende Systeme, to be succeeded by Karl-Heinz Streibich, who has been at the helm of the Academy alongside Spath since May 2018.

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Platform supports German Federal Government’s AI strategy

The international artificial intelligence (AI) race is well under way. With the help of a national AI strategy, the German Federal Government aims to pool the country’s resources and make it the world’s leading AI location.

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Plattform Lernende Systeme – having the courage and business ideas to lead the way in AI technology

When it comes to artificial intelligence (AI) Germany has very good prospects on the international stage. If it can quickly turn its well-established head start in research into applications focusing on practical uses, Germany can take the lead in the AI race. This was the message that Plattform Lernende Systeme, Germany’s platform for artificial intelligence, delivered at this year’s CEBIT.

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Putting AI centre stage – Plattform Lernende Systeme brings combined expertise to CEBIT

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming a driving force of digitalisation. Experts from Plattform Lernende Systeme – Germany’s platform for Artificial Intelligence – are at this year’s CEBIT to discuss how the use of AI is changing work, business models and everyday life. Trade fair visitors can also stop by the stand run by the Federal Ministry for Education and Research (BMBF) to try out self-learning systems for themselves.

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Plattform Lernende Systeme aims to put Germany at the top of the artificial intelligence league table

Germany is leading the way when it comes to researching and developing artificial intelligence (AI). If this expertise can be put to use quickly, Germany can secure global technological leadership and drive forward the responsible use of self-learning systems both at home and abroad.

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Working life of the future: Science Year 2018 kicks off

Federal Research Minister Johanna Wanka opened “Science Year 2018 – Working life of the future” on 19 February at the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) in Berlin.

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Self-learning systems to transform the world of work

Self-learning systems are the key to meeting the increasing requirements of productivity in an ageing society and to preserving prosperity, says Mr Dieter Spath in conclusion of his presentation on 22 January at the Munich School of Philosophy.

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Designing AI: Working groups of the Plattform Lernende Systeme present their thematic priorities

The Plattform Lernende Systeme links experts from industry and science across sectors and disciplines to achieve this aim. The heads of the platform’s seven working groups presented the priority topics of their work programmes at a meeting in Berlin on January 8.

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Facts instead of myths: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft hosts specialist conference on artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) and self-learning systems will become the drivers of industry in the coming years and will at the same time change many realms of society. Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, in cooperation with Germany’s digital association Bitkom, invited stakeholders to Artificial Intelligence Day, a networking event held in Berlin on 29 November.

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Innovation boost through artificial intelligence: Platform for Learning Systems starts work

Industrie 4.0 is still shaping current developments in the economy as Germany now faces new tasks for the future: Learning Systems and Artificial Intelligence. The Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) plans to expand on this topic structurally and promote collaboration between research and industry in particular.

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BMBF launches Platform for Learning Systems

The Federal Ministry for Education and Research (BMBF) is reinforcing research on artificial intelligence and launching the forward-looking project “Learning Systems”. As a first step, a new expert platform is being established in order to improve the collaboration between research and application as well as clarify how learning systems can be useful for humans.

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Autonomous Systems: Angela Merkel and Johanna Wanka accept the High-Tech Forum’s report

Autonomous systems enable the development of self-driving cars, intelligent robots and interconnected infrastructures. Together with Reimund Neugebauer, Co-Chairman of the High-Tech Forum and President of Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, acatech President Henning Kagermann handed over the report of the Expert Forum on Autonomous Systems to Chancellor Angela Merkel and Federal Minister for Education and Research Johanna Wanka during the CeBIT.

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