The collaboration between France and Germany in AI projects is based on their shared commitment to technological progress. As part of the signing of the Aachen Treaty on January 22, 2019, the two countries solidified their cooperation in the fields of research and digital transformation. The Aachen Treaty, signed by former German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron, aimed to deepen the partnership between the two nations and promote joint efforts towards innovation and technological advancement. By leveraging this collaborative platform, these stakeholders have been able to engage in a mutually beneficial process of learning, sharing insights, and co-creating groundbreaking solutions to address contemporary challenges.
The GanResilRob Project:
An exemplary AI project that showcases the fruitful collaboration between France and Germany is the GanResilRob project. GanResilRob, which stands for "Generative Adversarial Networks and Semantics for Resilient, Flexible Production Robots," focuses on creating a flexible and resilient industry through the integration of AI technologies. Led by esteemed organizations such as FZI Forschungszentrum Informatik in Germany and Two-I SAS in France, the project aims to leverage machine learning, GANs, and AI-based semantic interpretation to support rapid manufacturing and enable the adaptation of production lines. The project's goals perfectly align with the challenges faced by industries during disruptions in global supply chains, ultimately contributing to the creation of intelligent robotic production cells.
German-French Networking on Industry 4.0 and Applied AI:
Intensifying cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence – that was the aim of the project "French-German networking on Industry 4.0 and applied artificial intelligence" funded by the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Economic Affairs, Labor, and Tourism. In coordination with the Digital Innovationcenter (DIZ), the project has laid the foundation for the development and establishment of a Franco-German AI ecosystem, linking actors from science, industry, and politics. Through a series of working group meetings with French and German experts, the project explored the topics of AI & Energy, AI & Health, and AI & Industry 4.0 from both German and French perspectives. The discussions encompassed sharing experiences, generating ideas for joint projects, and addressing challenges for bi-national cooperation. These interactions highlighted the shared desire and demand among actors in all sectors in Germany and France to leverage technologies such as AI and data to enhance their collaborations.
French-German activities of the Digital Hub Karlsruhe
The Digital Hub for Applied Artificial Intelligence Karlsruhe, coordinated by the DIZ, has been at the forefront of fostering French-German activities. In collaboration with the Hub France IA in Paris and other ecosystem partners across Europe, the Digital Hub organized the inaugural AIxIA Conference, the first-ever French-German conference on applied AI. With the theme "Artificial Intelligence meets Intelligence Artificielle," the conference features keynote speeches by renowned AI experts from France, Germany, and around the world. It also includes workshops and ample Since 2023, the activities of the Digital Hub Karlsruhe have been expanding further internationally with the European Digital Innovation Hub applied Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity (EDIH AICS). With the aim of advancing the vision of safe and sustainable European artificial intelligence technology in the fields of production, mobility, energy, trade, services and public administration, the Digital Hub Karlsruhe continues to forge collaborations with French institutions and AI players.
A Collaborative Vision for AI Advancement in the Future:
As we witness the profound impact of AI, the collaborative endeavors between France and Germany stand as a great testament to the potential of nations joining forces to shape the technological landscape and promote economic growth through innovation. In light of this transformative power, Markus Hempel, Global Ambassador of the Digital Hub Initiative in France, affirms that the German-French cooperation "will strengthen the collaboration between science and industry in this field and create many opportunities for German and French start-ups."