AI and XR: And what's next?
On November 7, 2024, industry leaders, start-ups and pioneers met at Google Europaallee in Zurich to discover practical approaches and methods for using artificial intelligence (AI) and extended reality (XR) as part of the What's Next Forum. Under the motto "What's Next? What about your AI or XR readiness?", the event offered a platform to discuss cross-industry solutions and strategies for digital transformation.
The organizer and initiator of the forum, Ewa Ming, welcomed the guests to the What's Next Forums together with presenter and business journalist Lea Fäh. Fäh opened the event with the words "We are at the beginning of a new tech supercycle" and emphasized how AI, XR, data, robotics and the cloud will change our world. The central question was: How can these technologies be practically implemented in areas such as marketing, advertising, HR and industry? What is already possible today?
The forum offered practical insights and promoted the exchange of ideas for transformation projects - under the motto "Enabling Change Together" and with the aim of combining AI with a human touch. "You always need someone to operate the technology," said Ming. A particular highlight was the interaction with the virtual assistant Lucy, an event bot and avatar of the Metaverse Academy. Lucy gave an impressive demonstration of how AI can change the world of work and business and spoke about the opportunities and mixed reality.
Practical impulse from Google Cloud
Dr. Simone Ruppertz-Rausch, Head of Sales Engineering at Google Cloud for Switzerland and Austria, discussed the challenges and potential of an AI-driven future with Lea Fäh. Ruppertz emphasized the central role of Google Cloud in supporting companies in the digital data and AI transformation. "AI is not ahead of us, it is already happening," she explained, highlighting Google's strong research presence in Switzerland. Google has set itself the goal of making Switzerland an "AI nation" and supports companies in developing a solid data strategy. A key topic here was ensuring data quality and data strategy as the basis for digital transformations. She also gave a few practical examples.
"The future is here, and it's changing everything - again!"
Rupert Breheny, Founder of Cobalt (ex-Google, BBC, Ogilvy, Publicis), listed as one of the Top 100 AI Art Creators and Innovators, spoke about the revolutionary role of AI in various industries and showed how production will change, especially in medicine, where he compared medicine from 50 years ago and today. He sees a "bright future" for Switzerland and emphasized how AI will increase efficiency and quality in numerous business areas.
Panel discussion: Cloud AI, robotics and innovation
In the panel discussion with Dr. Simone Ruppertz-Rausch, Rupert Breheny and Jean Christophe Gostanian, CEO of Avatarion Technology, the current and future role of cloud AI and robotics was discussed. Gostanian presented humanoid robots that are used at hotel reception desks and can speak several languages. However, the difficulty in implementing such robots in Switzerland lies in society's acceptance. A central question is: What must robotics bring us as humans? Simone Ruppertz emphasized that the healthcare sector in particular will benefit from AI and stressed that innovation is already firmly anchored in Switzerland - but the challenge remains to actively involve employees in the transformation process and to start learning in good time.
Finally, Martin Sturzenegger, Managing Director, Switzerland Innovation Park Zurich, gave an insight into the future plans for the site in Dübendorf.
70% workload at 100% output with virtual assistance - reality or myth?
Silvia Boller, CEO & Founder of T-Bridge, and Le-an Lai Lacaba, AI-Enabled VA Agency, also presented a remarkable use case at the forum.
When Silvia asked the audience whether anyone was already using AI, almost everyone present answered with a resounding "yes"! The two entrepreneurs showed what can be expected from AI and how it can revolutionize the work of a virtual assistant.
T-Bridge is particularly interested in integrating flexible working models and demonstrating how AI can be used responsibly. Silvia explained the steps she has taken to develop her own virtual assistant - as a "second brain" for humans.
She recommends thinking "out of the box" when designing an assistant. She carried out a self-test to better understand her own needs, asking herself questions such as:
- What do I enjoy and earn money with?
- What is not fun, but still makes me money?
- What are my strengths and weaknesses?
The answers to these questions enabled her to hire an assistant who is precisely tailored to her requirements.
Mainstage of the What's Next Forum: Recognizing the potential of AI
In the afternoon, Prof. Dr. Knut Hinkelmann, expert in AI and head of the Master in Business Information Systems and Bachelor in Business Artificial Intelligence courses at the FHNW, gave another keynote speech on "Recognizing the potential of AI".
He emphasized that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) recognize the benefits of AI, but are often reluctant to use it. "Companies find it difficult to use AI," said Dr. Hinkelmann. In his opinion, a successful introduction of AI requires knowledge, data, specialists, capacities and resources.
While AI can process large amounts of data, rational thinking remains the strength of humans. He highlighted several advantages, including facial recognition, translation and medical diagnoses (e.g. cancer diagnosis).
AI for SMEs?
Dr. Hinkelmann also presented a project designed to support SMEs with the introduction of AI. They are investigating the question of whether companies need start-up support in order to use AI effectively. The project aims to help companies use AI sensibly and ensure that it creates real added value.
The What's Next Forum impressively demonstrated how AI and XR have the potential to fundamentally change business models and increase efficiency. The event provided valuable insights and practical examples for companies looking to drive forward their digital transformations.
Participants were also able to experience a VR multiplayer experience with the Meta Quest headsets and try out interaction in virtual worlds on the VR playground. There were lively discussions in the Startup Connect Corner and the lab sessions such as "AI meets HR" and the Google Atelier Digital provided additional impetus from the world of AI and the cloud. At the end, the show act "The Blackouts" delighted the audience with an LED dance performance and the subsequent aperitif provided a welcome opportunity to network with like-minded people and the experts on site. The "What's Next Connect" app is also available free of charge for those who want to network online.
