At the Arbeitswelt.Plus Summit on 15 May 2025 in Bielefeld, Prof. Dr. Volker Lohweg, Prof. Dr. mult. Carsten Röcker and Christoph-Alexander Holst from inIT contributed their expertise by moderating discussions and giving presentations on key topics such as image processing, assistance systems and data-based planning.
AI applications for practical use
The Arbeitswelt.Plus Summit in Bielefeld brought together over 250 participants from the worlds of science, business and politics. During themed sessions, partners from the Arbeitswelt.Plus network presented their flagship and transfer projects, with the aim of integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into the working world in a practical, safe and people-oriented way.
Image processing for quality assurance and production optimisation
Prof. Dr. Volker Lohweg led the session on 'Image Recognition'. This session focused on AI-based image processing methods that support automated inspection, sorting and analysis processes in industrial manufacturing. The flagship project with Kannegiesser for AI-supported sorting of dirty laundry, the transfer project with IP Adelt for checking sample cases, a method for evaluating dispersion tests at Baumhüter, and the transfer project with Komet Dental were presented, among other things. These solutions demonstrated how AI-supported image processing can enhance quality assurance and supplement manual processes.
“We can now reliably integrate AI-based image processing into industrial processes,” emphasises Prof. Dr. Volker Lohweg.
Assistance systems as digital support in everyday work
Another key topic was the ‘Assistance Systems’ track, which was presented by Prof. Dr. mult. Carsten Röcker opened and moderated, providing a thematic introduction. The focus was on applications that use AI to support employees in data analysis and decision-making processes, as well as in production.
Weidmüller's flagship project for the development of an intelligent manufacturing assistant was presented. The session was complemented by the presentation of three transfer projects: an analysis tool at Felix Schoeller for evaluating production data, an AI application for the automated creation of instructions at Delta 3, and an assistance system for validating customer requirements at Wächter.
“Digital assistance systems make a concrete contribution to reducing employees' workload by processing complex data and providing targeted support for decision-making processes,” said Prof. Dr. mult. Carsten Röcker.
Presentation of transfer projects with inIT participation
Christoph-Alexander Holst from the inIT working group ‘Discrete Systems’ headed by Prof. Dr. Volker Lohweg presented several transfer projects. These included automated evaluation of dispersion tests in visual inspection at baumhueter extrusion GmbH, an integrated resource planning system at Dr. Oetker, and a forecasting model for optimised resource utilisation at Wöhler Technik GmbH.
‘Our projects demonstrate the versatility of data-based AI solutions in practice, and their ability to create real added value for industrial processes,’ explained Christoph-Alexander Holst.
Arbeitswelt.Plus: AI Competence Centre for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises
The Competence Centre brings together universities, companies and trade unions to develop AI solutions for the world of work. Through eight flagship projects and numerous transfer projects, practical applications are being tested to make AI technologies more accessible for small and medium-sized enterprises in particular. The focus is on human-centred workplace design, employee training and integrating AI into operational processes.
Find out more about the Arbeitswelt.Plus Summit 2025:https://arbeitswelt.plus/news/arbeitswelt-plus-summit-unternehmen-aus-owl-liegen-bei-ki-bundesweit-vorn/