The Innovation Park Artificial Intelligence (IPAI) is currently being built in Heilbronn. The IPAI aims to become the most significant ecosystem for applied artificial intelligence (AI) in Europe, and the fischer Group of Companies has become its latest member.
As part of the IPAI project, laboratories, a data centre, a startup innovation centre, restaurants, daycare centres and apartments are being built on an area of 30 hectares by 2027. The aim is to become a new hub for trusted, applied AI in Europe and the world. The IPAI also considers itself an innovation platform and transformation accelerator for AI activities in research, business and public institutions. Players from the fields of science, business and public institutions plan to jointly advance the development and application of AI at the IPAI.
“At the IPAI, we can develop new tools and opportunities for responsible AI applications that will advance our company and our industry,” said Matthias Schneider, Managing Director Digital Services and IT at the fischer Group of Companies. fischer is using the infrastructure, contents and resources of the association to increase the performance and efficiency of its internal processes while finding innovative ways to create added value and continuously optimise its customer experience. AI is already being used in the administrative and production departments at the fischer Group of Companies. “AI tools don’t replace human expertise; instead, they take some of the work out of our day-to-day business, allowing us to focus on important key tasks,” Matthias Schneider added. “One of the main aspects we’re focusing on as an IPAI member is driving the research and application of AI, robotics and digitalisation in the construction industry.”
With its wide range of digital services for the building sector, the company is already able to contribute plenty of expertise, innovative power and its proximity to markets and target groups. fischer’s 360-degree services optimise the supply chain of the entire construction industry, from the planning, construction and operation of buildings. Solutions include innovations in the field of BIM, automated construction and connected fastening products in the Internet of Things.
The BauBot robot can autonomously drill holes on the construction site, while the fischer Construction Monitoring sensor innovation provides an efficient IoT solution for monitoring prestressing forces in existing fastenings. Digital offers include apps and software tools to design, select and use the products.
As part of the IPAI, the company will now continue to develop its solutions and put them to the test in the field. “AI offers applications and solutions for tasks that were previously impossible, or only possible with a great deal of effort, thereby increasing efficiency, reducing labour shortages and maintaining our competitive power,” said Schneider. “The IPAI allows us to further tap into the potential of AI to change the world and improve our lives.”
