In a world where innovation drives progress, the automotive industry is undergoing the biggest transformation in its history.
Volkswagen Group Technology’s “be more 2024” event kicked off with a vibrant atmosphere at the famous Autostadt in Wolfsburg, where industry leaders, innovators, and enthusiasts gathered to discuss the industry’s future.
In line with its focus on AI & Robotics, host and Member of the Volkswagen AG Board of Management responsible for Technology, Thomas Schmall, opened the event by talking to the humanoid robot Ameca live on stage.
I had the pleasure and privilege of moderating multiple panel discussions focusing on AI in production and data privacy.
In our first panel, we talked about how AI will significantly impact production in the automotive industry in areas like design, assembly, maintenance, energy efficiency, supply chain management, and quality control.
The potential for more efficient, sustainable, and compliant production processes is huge. Some of the questions we focused on were: what are the opportunities & risks, and what are the long-term perspectives?
Industry experts like Brian Donnelly, Head of Future Products at leading robotics company Boston Dynamics and Greg Ameyugo, Head of Ambient Intelligence & Interactive Systems division at the French Atomic Energy Commission, share their perspectives on the integration of AI and robotics.
High-level Volkswagen executives like Klaus Zellmer, Chairman of the Board of Management at Škoda, talked about the how AI is already being implemented at Skoda and their future plans.
In another exciting and inspiring talk, we discussed how AI can create added value for Volkswagen Group IT. Hauke Stars, Board Member for IT at Volkswagen AG, shared her vision and discussed potential challenges with Tech-Optimist and CEO of Merantix Momentum, Nicole Büttner-Thiel.
What is the true promise of AI? When you ask Big Tech, you will hear all about the coming AI Utopia and how wonderful everything will be. But the corporate side of AI today is far from anything that could save the world, and in many cases, it’s actively hurting with disinformation, environmental impact, or copyright infringements.
Alexandra Ebert, Chief Trust Officer at MOSTLY and AI Maurizio Poletto, Chief Platform Officer with Erste Group Bank shared their insights into what’s at the heart of AI: data and how synthetic data can establish trust and help companies conform to GDPR standards.
In summary, the Volkswagen Group Technology “be more” 2024 event was a testament to the power of innovation and the drive to constantly improve.
It was a privilege to be a part of this journey and witness firsthand the future of mobility and technology. I look forward to seeing how these innovations will shape our world in the coming years.