09. FVI Expert Breakfast

Topic: Warm-up for the Innovation Week – Why we need to stop seeing AI as "Science Fiction."

This session was the kickoff for the FVI Innovation Week at the "in.stand" trade fair in Stuttgart. Marcel Hahn, Jens Reißenweber, and Bernhard Heindel used the time for a reality check:

• The "Avatar" effect (Kurt): A participant (Kurt) enthusiastically reported how he cloned himself as an AI avatar. This is technically impressive, but Marcel Hahn and Bernhard Heindel immediately grounded the discussion: "We don't need an avatar for the maintenance manager, we need a solution for the hydraulic technician at the machine." -> Focus on pragmatic use cases instead of gimmicks.
• The "middle" is missing: An important criticism from the group: We often talk about high-end AI (avatars, predictive maintenance) or "basic problems" (poor master data). But the solution for the middle – the technician who is now standing in front of the equipment and needs information – is often missing. This is exactly where ADAM positions itself as a "Digital Assistant."
• Just do it (Low Hanging Fruits): Roland (participant) reported how he uses AI to summarize DGUV test documents and standards. It's not rocket science, but it saves time immediately. The message: Don't wait for the big "AI project," but use the tools for daily small tasks.
• The QR code revolution (Carsten / Inspurs): A partner reported how QR codes on the control cabinet reverse communication: Instead of the technician looking for information, the equipment gives him the information (via scan and AI connection). This is asset intelligence you can touch.
• Fear of "change": The biggest hurdle is not the technology, but that the technician "doesn't feel like typing something into the phone." The solution: voice control. If the technician can simply say what he did (and the AI writes the report), acceptance increases massively.

Assessment: We are the pragmatists in the AI hype bubble

While others philosophize about avatars in the metaverse, Marcel Hahn brings the discussion back to the shop floor:

• ADAM is the "missing middle": We don't build avatars for LinkedIn videos. We build the tool that tells the hydraulic expert: "Attention, coolant is empty, here is the refill instruction." This is operational intelligence.

• Low entry threshold: The discussion about QR codes and voice control confirms our UX strategy. ADAM must be as simple as WhatsApp (voice message in, solution out). No one wants to fill out SAP forms on their phone.