The day began with an opening address from Andreas Krey, Managing Director of LEG Thuringia, and Prof. Dr. Horst-Michael Groß, Project Leader of TZLR and Chairman of TZLR e.V. The morning session focused on scientific advances, featuring talks on human-robot collaboration in complex assembly by Prof. Dr. Horst-Michael Groß of TU Ilmenau, challenges in explainable AI and bias presented by Jan Blunk from Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena’s Computer Vision Group, and insights into large language models’ potential for coding from Dr. Clemens-Alexander Brust of DLR Institute of Data Science Jena.

Later in the morning, the forum turned to the EU AI Act, with Dr. Christoph Poetsch, Senior Advisor for AI Ethics and Quality at TÜV AI.Lab, discussing the new European AI regulations, their implications, and certification pathways. A lunch break offered opportunities for networking and informal discussions.

The early afternoon brought a series of best practice presentations across five innovation fields. Dr. Andreas Bley of MetraLabs GmbH showcased mobile robotics applications in production and logistics. This was followed by Spleenlab GmbH’s Dr. Jürgen Hess and Lars Hinneburg, who discussed AI in autonomous mobility, from trucks to drones. Prof. Johannes Winning from EAH Jena presented new AI-powered options in emergency services, while Dr. Jan Rybizki from IAB Weimar gGmbH demonstrated sustainable energy innovations through acoustic wastewater separation. Jens Chalupka from Ibykus AG concluded with a look into AI solutions for public sector applications. A coffee break afterward allowed participants to connect and reflect on these sessions.

In the mid-afternoon, keynote speaker Prof. Dr. Wolfram Burgard from TU Nuremberg delivered an inspiring talk on AI and robotics as foundational technologies for the future, setting the stage for the day’s final session of industry case studies.

The closing session highlighted real-world AI applications in industry. Dr. Harald Hempel of DAKO GmbH shared insights on intelligent route optimization in logistics, while Michael Mörs from SMA Development GmbH explained methods for assessing ROI in AI projects beyond the proof-of-concept phase. Antje Blumentritt from KOMOS GmbH presented AI-optimized production processes tailored for SMEs, and Christian Schädlich from ZeTT concluded with an analysis of AI adoption trends among Thuringian SMEs, exploring whether AI is a passing hype or a growing necessity.

The day concluded with closing remarks, followed by an evening reception where attendees enjoyed refreshments and continued their discussions. By the evening’s end, the 6th Thuringian AI Forum had fostered invaluable connections, knowledge-sharing, and momentum for AI-driven innovation in Thuringia. Representing ELLIS Unit Jena, our Computer Vision Group contributed a booth and a presentation by Jan Blunk, joined by Prof. Dr. Joachim Denzler and Dr. Conrad Philipp, showcasing our research and expertise. This essential event blended expertise, practical insights, and hands-on demonstrations, reinforcing the Thuringian AI community’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of AI technology.