WE & AI Campus Speeches

Discover Artificial Intelligence: At the WE & AI Campus on November 21 and 22, the Panorama Kino at the Autostadt in Wolfsburg will become a meeting place for everyone who wants to better understand Artificial Intelligence and its potential for digital transformation. Experts from the Volkswagen Group, science, sports, and arts will provide insights into AI trends and applications, opportunities and risks, and the future of work through varied keynote speeches.

Lectures on 21 November

Lectures on 22 November

Bookable Lectures on Thursday, 21.11.2024

Opening “WE & AI Campus”

Thursday, 21 November / 10:00 – 10:15 am
Dr. Sven Lorenz (Head of Group Data & AI der Volkswagen Group)
Armin Maus (Autostadt CEO)

Opening of the two-day event “WE & AI Campus” by Dr. Sven Lorenz, Head of Group Data & AI of the Volkswagen Group, and Armin Maus, Chairman of the Board of Management of Autostadt.

“Don’t Panic about AI – How You Can Use the Technology in Everyday Life”

Thursday, 21 November / 10:15– 11:00 am
Sarah Elsser and Alexander Pessler (Tech Well Told GmbH)

While the German National Tourist Board creates its AI brand ambassador Emma, the colleague tells you during the coffee break that he has built his own GPT and the IT manager explains that an ‘AI-first mindset’ now applies, you are still standing there asking yourself: How on earth do I get AI into my day-to-day work? What can it do and what can't it do? What is a good use case? And when everyone talks about ‘data’ for AI - what exactly does that mean? Sarah Elsser and Alexander Pessler, the founding team and CEOs of the tech communications agency ‘Tech Well Told’, will show you how to take the first steps towards AI. In this practice-orientated keynote, they use simple words and pictures to show you how to get into the AI game.

“Gen AI’s Impact on the Future of the Automotive Industry”

Thursday, 21 November / 11:15 – 12:00 am
Dr. Sarah Uttendorf (Volkswagen AG)

Everyone is currently talking about Generative AI. But what is the difference to traditional AI? And what impact will it have on us as an automotive industry?

“Better Working Conditions or Mass Unemployment? Possible Effects of Generative AI on the World of Work”

Thursday, 21 November / 12:15 – 01:00 pm
Dr. Roland Stürz (Bavarian Research Institute for Digital Transformation)

Since the publication of ChatGPT in November 2022 and thus the widespread availability of generative artificial intelligence (AI), the discussion about AI has gained considerable momentum and public attention. Optimistic voices expect significant increases in productivity, cost reductions, easier work and, as a result, more attractive work tasks that lead to greater job satisfaction. Pessimistic voices, however, fear an increase in work intensity, increased surveillance in the workplace, a rise in stress levels and, in particular, job losses and even mass unemployment. The keynote speech will take a closer look at these different perspectives. It also provides insights into survey results from Germany, which show how employees are already using generative AI in the workplace and what their experiences and expectations are in this regard.

"From Hype to Hybrid Intelligence: Human Empowerment in the Age of AI“ and Panel Talk

Thursday, 21 November / 02:00 – 03:30 pm
Dr. Léa Steinacker (Ada Learning GmbH)
Dr. Roland Stürz, Dr. Lea Steinacker and Dr. Sarah Uttendorf

In this keynote, Dr. Steinacker will explore the evolution of AI, focusing on the central role of human empowerment in shaping the future of work and society. As companies like Volkswagen increasingly integrate AI into their processes, the emphasis is on understanding the technology beyond its hype to truly augment human abilities through hybrid AI systems. She will highlight the importance of embracing AI as a tool for enhancing productivity and quality, while addressing challenges such as ethics, workforce transformation, and the need for continuous upskilling. This talk will inspire leaders to navigate the AI revolution with a human-centric approach, ensuring that technology serves as a catalyst for positive, inclusive growth.

“AI in Sports: Does the Table Lie?”

Thursday, 21 November / 03:45 – 04:30 pm
Kilian Arnsmeyer (DFB)

Data collection has increased significantly in the sports industry in recent years. While the use of data was established in baseball over 20 years ago, the development of data teams at football clubs began in recent years. More and more clubs have recognised the potential of data to improve decision making and gain competitive advantage. Kilian Arnsmeyer offers insights into the work of a data scientist at the DFB and how managers, coaches and analysts derive added value from data - including an answer to the question of the extent to which the table lies.

“Data. Can. Heal. – Experience Future Medicine”

Thursday, 21 November / 04:45 – 05:30 pm
Dr. Tobias Gantner (HealthCare Futurists GmbH)

• Unhappy without a mobile phone? Are we already cyborgs?
• Medicines from the 3D printer? Soon available in your pharmacy of the future?
• Living to be 120 years old with artificial intelligence. Is that already possible today?
• Why brushing your teeth can prevent Alzheimer's and how digital medicine will change my life.
• From Car to Care: Why the car of the future will collect medical data.

Bookable Lectures on Friday, 22. November

“Creative Processes in the Changing World of Technology”

Friday, 22 November / 10:00 – 10:45 am
Sükrü Cengil (Volkswagen AG)

The presentation will highlight the evolutionary step of automotive design in terms of AI-supported processes that are radically changing the creative workflow. It will show how technology is not only facilitating the transition from tried-and-tested methods to digital and AI-based design processes processes, but also opens up completely new possibilities. Artificial intelligence acts as an integral part of the creative process, challenging existing boundaries, unleashing untapped potential and setting new design standards. Visions of the future will be discussed in which designers and AI work together seamlessly to develop aesthetic concepts with unrivalled precision and speed. The technology acts not only as a tool to increase efficiency, but also as a catalyst for bold, visionary designs that go beyond conventional approaches. beyond conventional approaches

„The Evolution of Art in the Age of AI”

Friday, 22 November / 11:00 – 11:45 am
Pierre Fautrel (Obvious)

Obvious is a collective of researchers, artists, and friends, working with the latest models of deep learning to explore the creative potential of artificial intelligence. Delve into the intersection of art and artificial intelligence: Discover how Obvious' creative process, powered by AI algorithms, is contributing to a new artistic frontier where machines assist in defining beauty and pushing the limits of visual expression.

“MacGyvering Creativity: Crafting Solutions with AI Tools and Human Inventiveness” and Panel Talk

Friday, 22 November / 12:00 – 01:30 pm
Dave Gorman (Elli - Volkswagen Group Charging GmbH)
Sükrü Cengil, Pierre Fautrel and Dave Gorman

Discover how generative AI tools pair with human ingenuity to unleash creative potential, even under tight constraints. This keynote dives into four key aspects of creativity: exploration, iteration, flexibility, and emotional impact. It showcases how AI acts as a versatile partner in crafting a fully AI-generated ad, all while highlighting the important role of human intuition and adaptability.

“Digital Humans: Partnering with AI for a Smarter Future”

Friday, 22 November / 02:30 – 03:15 pm
Stefan Wenz (Nvidia Corporation)

Imagine a world where AI-powered digital humans work alongside us, enhancing our capabilities and revolutionizing industries. This thought-provoking talk explores the rapid evolution of digital humans from sci-fi concepts to real-world collaborators. We'll delve into groundbreaking applications, from AI assistants that streamline customer service to virtual coaches boosting workplace productivity. Discover how these digital partners are reshaping human-AI interaction, offering personalized experiences, and pushing the boundaries of what's possible. We'll address the challenges and opportunities of this technological leap, discussing ethical considerations and the potential for AI to augment rather than replace human roles. Join us to envision a future where humans and AI collaborate to create unprecedented value and innovation. Are you ready to embrace your digital counterpart?

“The Brain vs. Artificial Intelligence”

Friday, 22 November / 03:30 – 04:15 pm
Dr. Henning Beck (Neuroscientist and Author)

At some point, humanity is facing a day when all technical achievements will be eclipsed. The day when artificial intelligence outstrips humans and usurps cognitive supremacy. Who will prevail then: an AI with the will to power? Or a brain that does what it wants? Henning Beck takes a look behind the scenes of the brain and shows how our thinking differs from that of algorithms.

“Leave the Boxes Open – Put an End to Unconscious Bias in the World of Work”

Friday, 22 November / 04:30 – 05:15 pm
Annahita Esmailzadeh (Microsoft Corporation)

The incompetent quota woman, hired solely because of her gender. The old, outdated white man clinging to the patriarchy at all costs. Or the so-called ‘raven mother,’ accused of neglecting her children for the sake of her career: In the workplace, people are constantly confronted with stereotypes – often with devastating consequences. In her talk, Microsoft executive and bestselling author Annahita Esmailzadeh addresses persistent workplace biases, sheds light on traditional gender roles, and highlights the harmful impacts of ageism, racism, and classism.

Info EN

Sessions can be booked for free via the Autostadt ticket shop:
ticket shop

Tickets grant access to the WE & AI Campus at the Panorama Kino of the Autostadt and are valid only for the booked session period. Tickets do not entitle visitors to use other offers of the Autostadt.

All lectures will be simultaneously translated into English or German.

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