KI professors from leading universities exchange ideas with Ziehl-Abegg

Leading AI experts from excellence universities in Paris, Oxford, Stanford, Zurich, Jerusalem, Waterloo, and Singapore have come to Heilbronn-Franken to Ziehl-Abegg. (Photo note: Marc Weigert / Ziehl-Abegg)

The exchange between research and teaching as well as industry was the focus of a meeting of renowned AI experts at the fan manufacturer Ziehl-Abegg in Künzelsau. (Photo credit: Marc Weigert / Ziehl-Abegg)

(Photo credit: Marc Weigert / Ziehl-Abegg)

(Photo credit: Marc Weigert / Ziehl-Abegg)

Ziehl-Abegg hosted a delegation of leading AI professors from around the world and demonstrated impressively how innovation and industry come together. The scientists were impressed by the technology behind seemingly simple products like fans – and how artificial intelligence can set new standards in the process.

The exchange between science and industry was the focus of the visit by AI professors from the world's most renowned universities to Ziehl-Abegg. The technology leader was the only company included in the group's Germany visit program. The visit was initiated by the Global Technology Forum, organized by the Technical University of Munich (TUM) Campus Heilbronn. The event brought leading experts from excellence universities in Paris, Oxford, Stanford, Zurich, Jerusalem, Waterloo, and Singapore to Heilbronn-Franken.

Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Helmut Krcmar, founding dean of the TUM Campus Heilbronn, emphasizes the importance of cooperation: "We scientists are constantly seeking contact with industry. I am pleased that Ziehl-Abegg allowed us to look behind the scenes so deeply. Integrating research and teaching with industry is my main concern – because both benefit from it."

The highlight of the visit to Ziehl-Abegg was a tour of the state-of-the-art laboratory with the world's largest combined testing chamber for fans. Achim Kärcher and Johannes Seebach presented the latest technological developments of the company to the guests. Wolfgang Mayer, Chief Development Officer/CTO of Ziehl-Abegg, summarized the visit enthusiastically: "It was a great honor for us to give the AI experts from renowned universities an insight into our industrial company. I am especially proud of how amazed the scientists were at the complexity of a seemingly simple fan."

The dialogue between the AI experts and the professionals from Ziehl-Abegg provided insights into the practical challenges and application possibilities of artificial intelligence in air, control, and drive technology. "The scientists were very open and willingly shared their research," said Mayer. "Such encounters not only strengthen our innovation capacity but also the connection between science and industry."

The Global Technology Forum highlights how important the exchange between academic excellence and high-tech companies is. With Ziehl-Abegg hosting this high-caliber delegation, it was once again emphasized that the company attaches great importance to technological advancement and the application of artificial intelligence. It is also fitting that Ziehl-Abegg will again announce the "AI Communication Award" in 2025.