Technologies, research, study programs: Map on AI provides overview of Artificial Intelligence in Germany

In the coming years, Artificial Intelligence (AI) will become a driver of the economy and thus an important location factor – also for Germany. The Map on AI of Plattform Lernende Systeme – Germany’s Platform for Artificial Intelligence shows where AI solutions are already being used in the country, which institutes are conducting research into basic principles and applications, and which universities are training the next generation of AI experts. The continuously updated website is now available in its entirety in English at www.map-on-ai.com.

With its Map on AI, Plattform Lernende Systeme makes visible where Artificial Intelligence is being researched, tested and taught in Germany. The expert network initiated by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and acatech – National Academy of Science and Engineering aims to use the service to highlight the diversity and benefits of AI solutions and support knowledge transfer between science and companies. "In AI research, Germany has been well positioned internationally for many years. It is now important to quickly transfer scientific findings into concrete applications. The Map on AI creates transparency about current AI activities in Germany – and thus the basis for successful networking between industry and science," says Karl-Heinz Streibich, Co-Chair of Plattform Lernende Systeme and acatech President.

The Map on AI is divided into four sections:

Applications: Where is AI being used? The Applications section shows the diversity of AI solutions developed in Germany. Currently, almost 1,100 AI-based solutions can be filtered according to field of application and value creation activity, AI technology used, company size, industry and region. AI is currently used in particular in the form of assistance systems, for predictive analytics and for automating processes, followed by sensor technology, quality control and knowledge and resource management. The healthcare and manufacturing sectors in particular are showing innovation through AI use, as are the mobility and logistics, and energy and environment sectors (see charts).

Research institutions: Who conducts research on which topics? Research on AI is currently being conducted at 130 universities and numerous other institutions in Germany. In total, the Map on AI lists more than 250 scientific institutes and institutions nationwide, including the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI), which was founded in 1988, the AI competence centers funded by the BMBF in Berlin, Munich, Dresden/Leipzig, Dortmund/Bonn and Tübingen, as well as numerous non-university research institutions. The thematic focuses are diverse and can be filtered on the Map on AI. There is a strong focus on the topics of data management and analysis, image recognition and human-machine interaction (see chart).

Strategies and transfer: Where are companies supported? The Strategy and Transfer section of the Map on AI provides an overview of publicly funded offerings for small and medium-sized enterprises in particular. Here you will find federal and state-funded transfer and digitization centers that support companies in the introduction of AI or network with partners. In addition, the section provides an overview of the federal government's AI strategy adopted in 2019 and updated in 2020 as well as strategic goals and measures of the individual federal states to promote Artificial Intelligence.

Study programs: Who is training the next generation of AI experts? There is a great need for qualified AI specialists. The Study Programs section shows which universities and universities of applied sciences offer courses that focus on AI and data science, either in whole or in part. They can be filtered by university type, degree, as well as content focus (perception, machine learning, robotics and interaction, language processing and text comprehension, knowledge, data analysis and data management).

The Map on AI currently lists almost 700 study programs at over 170 universities in Germany. The Map on AI is curated and continuously expanded by the managing office of Plattform Lernende Systeme. It is available in a German and an English version. Graphics on current evaluations of the applications and research institutions listed on the Map on AI are available for download.

Further information:

Linda Treugut / Birgit Obermeier
Press and Public Relations

Lernende Systeme – Germany's Platform for Artificial Intelligence
Managing Office | c/o acatech
Karolinenplatz 4 | 80333 Munich

T.: +49 89/52 03 09-54 /-51
M.: +49 172/144 58-47 /-39
presse@plattform-lernende-systeme.de