Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly important for boosting productivity and competitiveness. SMEs, in particular, are today faced with the task of implementing AI with regard to their own business model in practical applications at an affordable cost. However, many manufacturing SMEs still lack the experience and expertise to take the first steps toward more intelligent manufacturing. This is where the Fraunhofer Big Data and Artificial Intelligence Alliance comes in: The Fraunhofer Institute for Intelligent Analysis and Information Systems IAIS, the Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering IAO, and the Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology IPT offer companies the opportunity to implement the institutes’ bundled expertise from AI research into business practice. To this end, they have developed the AI Kick-Starter Bundle .

The AI Kick-Starter Bundle comprises a three-stage methodical procedure: Together with the company management team, the Fraunhofer Alliance defines strategic goals for the AI systems for the company in question, formulates concrete areas of application, and examines the suitability of the company based on a holistic view of the success factors. Interested companies can contact the relevant persons on the Fraunhofer Alliance website .