TRIOKON 2024: What is AI really capable of?
The conference highlighted the opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence and celebrated the 10th anniversary of the INDIGO network.
Long-standing cooperation: The university management of the INDIGO member universities, co-founders of the INDIGO network and steering committee members celebrated the 10th anniversary of the INDIGO network. Photo: Julia Drahan/University of Regensburg
On September 25th 2024, the TRIOKON transfer conference took place for the sixth time at the University of Regensburg. With the topic “What is AI really capable of?”, the focus was not only on technological developments in the field of artificial intelligence (AI), but also on the associated challenges and limitations. Participants from science, business and society took the opportunity to exchange ideas during the conference organized by the INDIGO network and the University of Regensburg.
INDIGO celebrates 10 years of success
The INDIGO network also used TRIOKON 2024 to celebrate its 10th anniversary. Since 2014, the network has been promoting cooperation between the six East Bavarian universities - OTH Amberg-Weiden, TH Deggendorf, Landshut University of Applied Sciences, University of Passau, University of Regensburg and OTH Regensburg - in the field of basic and applied research. In her welcoming speech, Professor Susanne Leist, Vice President for Digitalization, Networks and Transfer at the University of Regensburg, emphasized the benefits of the cooperation between the six East Bavarian universities, as it promotes interdisciplinary discourse on a topic that is so fundamental for the future, and welcomed the participants to the university's Vielberth Building. In his welcoming address, Professor Tomas Sauer, spokesperson of the INDIGO steering committee, emphasized the relevance of the network for Eastern Bavaria and outlined how the collaboration has strengthened the region as a science and business location in recent years.
Good and continuous communication is a must in an association and forms the basis for the existence of the INDIGO network.
Prof. Dr. Burkhard Freitag, former President of the University of Passau
In a moderated discussion between Professor Burkhard Freitag and Professor Wolfgang Baier, both co-founders of the network and former presidents of two INDIGO member universities, the audience was once again given an overview of the history of the network and the many aspects of the long-standing collaboration. “Good and continuous communication is a must in a network and forms the basis for the existence of the INDIGO network,” explained Professor Freitag, formerly of the University of Passau. Professor Baier added: “In the university network, we have always benefited from the trusting cooperation, which has facilitated coordination and the establishment of processes. The exchange in personal discussions between the university management has opened up many possible solutions and new ideas for us.”
Expert input on the topic of artificial intelligence
The focus was on questions relating to the practical application possibilities of AI, its innovation potential and the limits and risks of these technologies. It became clear that artificial intelligence not only offers new opportunities for companies, but also poses challenges, particularly with regard to legal and security-related aspects. In his opening keynote, Professor Stefan Schönig from the University of Regensburg explained how to ensure cyber security in manufacturing companies and outlined how AI technologies can help to identify security gaps and implement proactive measures to comply with security standards.
In the following keynote speeches, Dr. Elisabeth Moser gave an insight into the work of the NGO Space-Eye e.V., where AI methods support sea rescue activities, and Aris Tsakpinis from Amazon Web Services took a look at the current status of generative AI from the perspective of research and industry. At the end of the conference, the keynote speech by Bayernwerk AG rounded off the program, with Jürgen Kandlbinder and Dr. Benjamin Wehner looking at AI as an enabler of the energy transition and introducing the audience to various use cases of a grid operator.
Another highlight was the panel discussion in which representatives from industry and universities, moderated by Professor Christian Wolff (University of Regensburg), debated the potential and limits of the use of artificial intelligence. Professor Cordula Krinner (TH Deggendorf) and Professor Daniel Schnurr (University of Regensburg) presented the perspective of the universities and engaged in an exciting exchange with Christian Volkmer from the Regensburg Chamber of Industry and Commerce for Upper Palatinate / Kelheim and Dr. Stefan Rameseder from One Data GmbH.
Versatile workshops and time for intensive networking
In addition to the main programme, participants had the opportunity to attend various workshops on topics such as ‘Generative AI in the company’, ‘AI in the operating theatre’, ‘AI for smart energy systems’, ‘Predictive maintenance in special machine construction’ and ‘AI and compliance with the requirements of the AI Act’. Experts from science and practice provided insights into current projects and discussed best practices and possible stumbling blocks in the implementation of AI together with the participants.
In addition to varied content on the topic of AI, the event provided ample opportunity for networking. Various exhibition stands of INDIGO member universities and other cooperation partners of the network offered the opportunity to make contacts and exchange ideas for future cooperation in a relaxed atmosphere.
This text was machine-translated from German.
About the INDIGO network
The six East Bavarian universities - OTH Amberg-Weiden, TH Deggendorf, Landshut University of Applied Sciences, University of Passau, University of Regensburg and OTH Regensburg - have been working together in the Internet and Digitalisation East Bavaria (INDIGO) network since 2014. The primary goal of the network is to permanently strengthen the region of Eastern Bavaria as an excellent centre of science, but also as a location for high-performance and successful commercial enterprises. In particular, the network promotes interdisciplinary cooperation in the field of applied research and basic research between the participating universities.
Since its foundation, the INDIGO network has promoted increased cooperation between East Bavarian universities and scientists in the field of digitalisation and beyond through a wide range of activities. Based on the cross-university pooling of existing scientific expertise created by INDIGO, new collaborations within the network and with external stakeholders have been initiated and successful funding applications have been submitted within the network.
Professor Tomas Sauer
How can strategies of image processing and deep learning be combined?
How can strategies of image processing and deep learning be combined?
Professor Tomas Sauer holds the Chair of Digital Image Processing. In addition, he heads the Fraunhofer research group 'Knowledge-based Image Processing' at the University of Passau and the Institute for Software Systems in Technical Applications of Computer Science (FORWISS Passau).
