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Ziehl-Abegg received a delegation of leading professors in AI from all over the world and gave an impressive demonstration of how innovation and industry interconnect. The scientists were impressed with the technology behind what are supposedly simple products such as fans – and how artificial intelligence can set new standards.
The interchange of ideas between science and industry formed the focus of the visit to Ziehl-Abegg by professors in AI from some of the world’s most renowned universities. The technology leader was the only company on the agenda during the group’s visit to Germany. 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 universities of excellence 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, stressed the importance of the cooperation: “We scientists are always looking for contact with industry. I am pleased that Ziehl-Abegg has allowed us an in-depth look behind the scenes. For me, linking research and teaching with industry is the key issue – after all, it does benefit both sides.”
The focus of the visit to Ziehl-Abegg was a guided tour of the state-of-the-art laboratory with the world’s largest combined test chamber for fans. Achim Kärcher and Johannes Seebach gave the guests a presentation of the company’s latest technological developments. Wolfgang Mayer, Chief Development / Technology Officer of Ziehl-Abegg, was enthusiast in summing up the visit: “It was a great honour for us to have the opportunity to provide the AI experts from such renowned universities with an insight into our industrial company. I am especially proud of how astounded the scientists were at the complexity of what is supposedly just a simple fan.”
The dialogue between the AI experts and the experts from Ziehl-Abegg offered insights into the practical challenges and potential applications of artificial intelligence in ventilation, control and drive technology. “The scientists were very open and willing to talk about their research,” says Mayer. “Encounters such as these not only reinforce our innovative capability but also strengthen the link between science and industry.”
The Global Technology Forum highlights the importance of an interchange between academic excellence and high-tech companies. With Ziehl-Abegg acting as host for this delegation of high-calibre individuals, this once again underlined the great importance the company attaches to technological development and the application of artificial intelligence. The fact that Ziehl-Abegg will be announcing the “AI Communication Award” once again in 2025 was a fitting tribute.
