Artificial Intelligence, or AI, is a term that is now ubiquitous in various events. During the opening of an AI center, the word “trust” was mentioned even more frequently than AI itself. This was largely due to Volker Wissing, the German Federal Minister for Digital Affairs, who inaugurated an interactive exhibition in Berlin, part of the Deutsches Technikmuseum.
The Innovation and Quality Center (IQZ) is part of the “Mission AI,” a national initiative aimed at promoting AI and the data economy. The primary goal is to build and strengthen trust in AI. Wissing noted that people in Germany are generally open and interested in AI, and this center allows them to “experience AI.” In a room decorated in purple and yellow, visitors can explore various interactive stands.
One exhibit allows visitors to have their moles checked by AI. A smartphone is mounted on a stand, and users position the body part with the mole between the camera and the table, preferably an arm. The smartphone takes a picture and analyzes it using the SkinDoc app, which assists dermatologists by being trained on a vast database of skin condition images. However, there is no information on where the images taken are stored, requiring a level of trust from users.
Another station lets visitors control a robot using a PlayStation controller. A real robot could then perform tasks in a warehouse, guided by the controller, acting as an AI twin. Wissing attempted this, but the two-armed robot struggled. Placing a package with the EvoBot from the Fraunhofer Institute onto a shelf proved challenging, despite the AI’s promise to simplify tasks. Wissing noted that the translation of controls was too fast.
Brighter AI works in real-time, replacing faces in video footage with other faces. This technology can be used when recording videos in public spaces to protect privacy, especially when the automotive industry uses cameras to navigate vehicles safely. People are generally reluctant to share their location data and facial images.
All these applications originate from Germany. According to Wissing, these innovations are necessary for competitiveness: “Without AI, we will not be competitive.” AI requires trust, and having the European AI Act regulation is advantageous for developing trustworthy AI. Wissing believes this will be beneficial in the long run. He also mentioned that Germany and the EU have the necessary foundational research and top talent, though financial resources are partially lacking. He emphasized the need to remain innovative despite regulations.
Wissing and the Mission AI aim to combine regulation with innovation, which contrasts with the mindset in Silicon Valley, where regulation and innovation are often seen as mutually exclusive. On the same day as the AI center’s opening, a Chinese AI company, Deepseeks, announced its models, which are reportedly much cheaper to develop and operate, yet equally effective as large US models. This caused a significant decline in stock market values for some AI beneficiaries, likely not instilling trust in AI or US companies. Wissing commented, “Size isn’t everything, as we see in China. I am confident there will be a global demand for high-quality, trustworthy AI from Europe.”
In addition to trustworthy AI, control and certification are crucial. Another IQZ in Kaiserslautern focuses on this aspect. However, in Berlin, the emphasis is on citizen engagement, allowing them to experiment with AI. School classes can participate in tours and workshops, and discussion events are planned.
Wissing, wearing a VR headset, remarked, “I am now in a giant eye.” For those interested in exploring a 3D model of a brain and exiting through the eye, a visit to the IQZ is highly recommended.