Artificial intelligence for learnable industrial assistance systems (KI-LIAS)

 

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) has already led to changes in the work and employment situation of many employees, and further drastic effects can be expected. The researchers are largely in agreement that there are both potentials and risks associated with the introduction of AI and digital assistance systems. While AI is already being used successfully in the area of machine automation, its use still faces major challenges, particularly in direct collaboration with employees. The potential of AI can only be realized with existing trust and acceptance of employees. However, insufficient employee participation in the relevant change processes usually leads to mistrust and a lack of acceptance of AI applications. As a consequence, systems are only used to a limited extent, which can lead to problems in the quality of results and thus to an increased rejection of the systems due to the thus missing feedback from the training and introduction phase.

The aim of the KI-LIAS project is therefore to develop a procedure for acceptance-based identification, development, introduction and use of AI applications that promote learning in manufacturing companies. The comprehensive project consortium consists of 13 industry, technology and research partners. Both SMEs and large companies in the manufacturing industry are working on the project as consortium partners. Taking into account the specific challenges of the employees of SMEs and large companies, introduction processes and collaborative AI applications are being designed in order to sustainably improve both the work processes and conditions as well as the work results of the employees and thus to secure the competitiveness of the German manufacturing industry in the long term. The chosen solution approach focuses on the continuous involvement of the relevant employees through the development, introduction and use of a prototypical AI application for each application partner.