Successful debut: First Bavarian Artificial Intelligence Conference (BAI.CON) in Ingolstadt

Experts from science and business discussed the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in various areas on October 4th and 5th at the Congress Center Ingolstadt. The focus was on the possible uses of AI in mobility, public transport, and production. The role AI plays in autonomous driving was demonstrated during a live demonstration in the CARISSMA-hall.

 You could find out what role AI plays in autonomous driving in the CARISSMA hall (Photo: THI).

You could find out what role AI plays in autonomous driving in the CARISSMA hall (Photo: THI).

 THI President Professor Walter Schober opened BAI.CON (Photo: THI).

THI President Professor Walter Schober opened BAI.CON (Photo: THI).

 Dr. Michael Klimke, Managing Director of the Bavarian AI agency baiosphere, discussed the AI ​​network in Bavaria (Photo: THI).

Dr. Michael Klimke, Managing Director of the Bavarian AI agency baiosphere, discussed the AI ​​network in Bavaria (Photo: THI).

It's raining, it's dark and foggy. Suddenly a child's dummy runs into the street. The approaching car can just about get out of the way. Visitors to BAI.CON were able to experience this experimental scenario live in the CARISSMA hall. There, sensor fusion optimizes the safety of autonomous driving in difficult weather conditions. With the nationwide control center for vehicle safety CARISSMA and the AI ​​mobility node AImotion Bavaria, the THI is particularly well positioned in mobility research.

This outstanding status became clear at the two-day BAI.CON conference, which attracted over 250 participants from companies and research institutions. In addition to specialist lectures related to AI, it offered the actors the opportunity to make contacts and exchange ideas. “Ingolstadt is the center of the mobility economy in Bavaria,” emphasized THI President Professor Walter Schober in his welcoming speech. “We have 30 professors and 90 academic staff conducting research in this interdisciplinary field.” Dr. Michael Klimke, Managing Director of the Bavarian AI agency baiosphere, added: “Here we connect the players in the AI ​​sector and combine research at the highest level with entrepreneurial thinking. Our goal is AI from Bavaria: human-centered, sustainable, and safe.”

The following keynotes were dedicated to different AI topics: Dr. Christian Richter, Director of Global Automotive Vertical & Auto Retail Solutions at Google, discussed in his presentation how the non-linear journey of the online car buyer takes shape. Dr. explained what role AI plays in overall vehicle development. Ulrich Herfeld, Head of Overall Vehicle Development at AUDI AG. Sandra Richter from Deutsche Bahn AG outlined how artificial intelligence can be used for a modern railway. In the afternoon, THI scientists delved into track sessions on AI and public transport, AI and mobility data, AI and production data as well as mobility and AI in Bavaria.