Artificial intelligence: AI research on Speed-HSBI starts data center “Yourai” for researchers and students

Artificial intelligence for everyone: How HSBI is transforming access

In the age of digital transformation and the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI), the establishment of high-performance IT infrastructures is becoming increasingly important – not only for business, but also for research and teaching. Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences (HSBI) is addressing this development. With the "yourAI" project, supported by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), a state-of-the-art AI infrastructure has been created, offering researchers and students easy and free access to enormous computing resources. This innovative platform is not only a technological highlight, but also an essential building block for the next generation of researchers and for interdisciplinary research approaches.

A modern infrastructure for AI research

The journey to "yourAI" begins long before you even enter the actual server room. In an unassuming stairwell, a few meters from an abandoned parking deck, a thick steel door bearing the inscription "Data Processing Center. Technology" leads to a place where busy hums, noises, and the glow of numerous LED displays converge. Behind another massive steel door lies a technically impressive server room, where countless cables and stacked metal enclosures form the backbone of the AI ​​infrastructure. Here, vast amounts of data are processed and AIs are trained – an environment that forms the basis for cutting-edge research projects.

The establishment of this computing power is particularly noteworthy because it was implemented at a university of applied sciences (HAW), where such high capacities were traditionally rare. A few years ago, the use of such powerful computing infrastructures was primarily considered the domain of basic research at research-intensive universities. However, HSBI recognized early on that AI and digitalization have long since permeated all disciplines – from engineering and business informatics to the social sciences and humanities. Therefore, the decision was made to make this advanced technology available to everyone interested.

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Basics and structure of the yourAI platform

The yourAI platform is based on a cluster solution, where multiple computers are interconnected to combine their computing power and expand available storage space. This approach offers several advantages: In addition to significantly increased computing power, it also improves reliability, as other systems can take over the tasks of a failing computer. This redundant backup is particularly important when processing sensitive and large amounts of data.

A key aspect of the project is the use of modern hardware components. In addition to the central servers, which form the core of the infrastructure, so-called cognitive edge components are also employed. These include highly efficient, low-power microcontrollers, single-board computers with integrated AI accelerators, and embedded graphics cards that enable data processing directly at the source. This decentralized data processing, also known as edge computing, offers the advantage that data does not need to be transported across the network to a central server. This not only increases data security but also protects privacy – an aspect that is crucial, for example, in smart applications for home care.

As Professor Wolfram Schenck, spokesperson for the project team and expert in computer engineering, emphasizes, AI applications have an enormous demand for storage and computing power. He explains that "the necessary training of AI applications creates a significant need for high-performance infrastructure," and highlights that these capacities have so far been scarcely available at universities of applied sciences. This underscores the high degree of innovation and the future-oriented focus of the yourAI project.

Interdisciplinarity and broad range of applications

The strength of the yourAI platform lies not only in its technical specifications but also in its broad interdisciplinary focus. All relevant departments at HSBI were involved from the very beginning of the project's development phase. This allows students and researchers from diverse disciplines to benefit from the new infrastructure. Whether in engineering, business informatics, or other fields, the platform offers a wide range of applications, from image recognition and speech processing to data analysis and process automation.

Professor Stefan Berlik, who focuses on Big Data Analytics in the Department of Engineering and Mathematics, explains that "opting for a cluster solution makes it possible to multiply computing power while simultaneously providing more storage space." This approach offers enormous advantages, especially for computationally intensive tasks such as those encountered in AI-supported research. By using modern technologies, even complex tasks can be processed efficiently and reliably.

Furthermore, the integration of cognitive edge components ensures that data-intensive processes are handled where the data is collected. Professor Thorsten Jungeblut, an expert in the Industrial Internet of Things, explains that this decentralized processing is invaluable, particularly in industrial applications such as surface quality control. He elaborates that "under harsh real-time conditions, such as in quality control, it is essential to react immediately to sensor data to avoid errors," which is achieved through the use of edge computing.

Technical challenges and solutions

Building such a complex IT infrastructure presents numerous technical challenges. One of the biggest hurdles was coordinating and configuring the complex software stack required to control and manage the cluster. In addition to the hardware itself, software solutions had to be developed to enable access via the existing university network. Close collaboration with the HSBI IT department played a crucial role in this process. Professor Schenck emphasizes that "only through intensive coordination and the involvement of competent IT specialists was the seamless integration of the yourAI cluster into the university's IT infrastructure possible."

Another aspect that had to be considered during implementation concerns data security. In times of increasing cyberattacks and sensitive research data, it is crucial that all components of the cluster are protected against potential attacks. The redundant structure of the cluster solution provides an important safeguard here. Should a single computer fail or be compromised, another automatically takes over its tasks. This significantly increases the availability and reliability of the infrastructure.

Support for young scientists

A key aspect of the yourAI project is the targeted support of early-career researchers. HSBI is thus sending a clear signal that research and teaching must go hand in hand to meet the demands of the modern digital world. The platform provides undergraduate and graduate students with direct access to state-of-the-art computing power, enabling them to realize their own research projects and develop innovative ideas. This not only leads to a deeper understanding of the theoretical foundations of AI but also promotes the practical application of methods in data analysis, image recognition, and process automation.

The close collaboration between the university's various departments creates an interdisciplinary learning environment where new ideas and solutions can emerge. For example, insights from business informatics flow into engineering and vice versa, contributing to a holistic understanding of technological developments. Promoting interdisciplinary projects is therefore a crucial step in meeting the challenges of digital transformation.

Future prospects and further developments

Even though the current performance of the yourAI platform is impressive, those responsible at HSBI are already looking to the future. Technological progress is relentless, and the demands on AI applications will continue to increase in the coming years. Professor Frederik Bäumer, who works in the field of business informatics, acknowledges that the current infrastructure does not reach the performance of a university data center or that of a commercial AI cluster belonging to large internet companies. Nevertheless, the focus is not on absolute performance, but rather on resource efficiency and the availability of the platform for the university.

Future developments will increasingly focus on further addressing user needs and continuously adapting the platform to new requirements. Personnel support and regular infrastructure maintenance play just as important a role as technical development. Through continuous investment in its own in-house expertise, HSBI ensures that it remains an attractive partner for interdisciplinary research projects in the long term.

The further development of the yourAI platform is also closely linked to general digitalization and the spread of AI technologies. In the coming years, new fields of application will be opened up, ranging from intelligent assistance systems to data-driven decision-making processes. The possibilities offered by the use of modern computing power are virtually limitless – and HSBI is ideally positioned to seize these opportunities.

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The role of AI in research and teaching

Artificial intelligence has had a profound impact on almost all areas of life in recent years. This applies equally to business, healthcare, industry, and, of course, academia. At universities like HSBI, AI is already being integrated into numerous projects and degree programs to offer students a future-oriented curriculum and simultaneously support innovative research projects.

A key aspect here is the practical application of AI technologies. Students should not only acquire theoretical knowledge but also gain practical experience working with modern technologies. The yourAI platform offers ideal conditions for this: Direct access to a high-performance computing infrastructure allows students to conduct their own experiments, analyze complex datasets, and train modern algorithms. This provides deep insights into the functionality and challenges of AI systems.

Furthermore, interdisciplinary projects at HSBI provide the opportunity to test theoretical concepts in real-world applications. Whether it's developing intelligent assistance systems, optimizing production processes, or analyzing large datasets – the yourAI platform offers the necessary tools and resources. The close integration of research and teaching not only fosters the individual competence of students but also contributes to developing innovative solutions for societal challenges.

Integration into everyday university life

The implementation of yourAI in everyday university life is a prime example of how modern technologies can transform the education sector. Access to the platform is straightforward via special login credentials provided to students and researchers. Once granted access, a wide range of hardware components and software applications become available, which can be deployed as needed.

This openness and flexibility are key success factors for the project. HSBI has succeeded in creating an infrastructure that is not only state-of-the-art but also user-friendly and adaptable. The ability to access various hardware solutions, such as central servers and edge computing components, allows users to develop tailored solutions for their individual research questions.

Furthermore, the platform is also an important component of the university's strategic direction. In times when digitalization and AI are key drivers of innovation and competitiveness, HSBI is positioning itself as a pioneer in interdisciplinary collaboration and practice-oriented education. The widespread use of modern technologies not only improves teaching but also creates a network that connects students, researchers, and industry partners.

Practical applications and examples

The yourAI platform offers diverse applications, ranging from classic image recognition and speech processing to data-driven analytics and automated processes. In industry, for example, AI-supported systems can be used for quality control to detect and correct errors in production lines at an early stage. By utilizing edge computing components, these systems are able to process sensor data in real time and trigger immediate responses – a crucial advantage in an environment where every millisecond counts.

Another interesting application area is natural language processing. Thanks to advanced algorithms, texts, speech, and even emotional nuances can be analyzed and interpreted. This opens up numerous possibilities, such as the development of chatbots, the automation of customer inquiries, and the optimization of information flows within companies. Here, too, the high computing power of the yourAI platform plays a crucial role, as complex language models often require enormous resources to operate efficiently and accurately.

In the field of image recognition, students and researchers can, for example, train algorithms that identify and classify objects in photos or videos. This has far-reaching applications, such as in medical diagnostics, where image data is used to detect diseases early, or in traffic monitoring, where autonomous systems can contribute to accident prevention. The combination of centralized data processing and decentralized edge solutions ensures that image data processing is not only fast, but also secure and compliant with data protection regulations.

The yourAI platform also plays a crucial role in data analysis. In an era where virtually every industry is impacted by the flood of digital data, the platform enables the efficient evaluation of large datasets and the extraction of valuable insights. These include, for example, statistical analyses, predictive modeling, and the training of machine learning algorithms. By providing a high-performance infrastructure, even highly complex problems become solvable, problems that in the past would often have been thwarted by the limited resources of the university.

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The added value for research and industry

Synergies between research, teaching, and industry are a key driver of digital transformation. With its yourAI platform, HSBI is not only demonstrating technological progress in academia but also building a bridge to industry. Close collaborations with companies enable the realization of practical projects that benefit both sides: While companies profit from innovative solutions, students and researchers gain valuable insights into real-world problems.

This practice-oriented collaboration leads to an intensive exchange between academia and industry. For example, students can work directly on projects addressing issues that are currently highly relevant in industry. The insights gained are then incorporated into teaching and enrich the curriculum. This creates a dynamic cycle in which innovation and practice are closely intertwined.

Furthermore, the yourAI infrastructure contributes to strengthening Bielefeld as a center for modern research and technology. The opportunity to implement complex AI projects in a real-world environment attracts not only national but also international research collaborations. The university thus benefits from a broad network that promotes the exchange of knowledge and the joint development of pioneering technologies.

Challenges of AI implementation and societal impacts

In addition to the technical aspects, the societal dimension of AI applications must also be considered. The use of AI raises numerous ethical, legal, and social questions. Topics such as data protection, algorithmic fairness, and the transparency of decision-making processes are central to the discussion. HSBI and its partners place great importance on ensuring that these issues are an integral part of their research projects. They consistently consider how technological innovations can be implemented responsibly without infringing on the rights and freedoms of individuals.

As part of the yourAI project, interdisciplinary seminars and workshops are offered to discuss the ethical and legal aspects of AI. Experts from computer science, law, and social sciences come together to develop guidelines that ensure the responsible use of AI. These educational opportunities contribute to raising awareness of the societal implications of digitalization and to sensitizing future professionals accordingly.

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Education and future prospects

Integrating yourAI into everyday university life also has long-term effects on students' education. The opportunity to engage with the challenges and potential of modern AI technologies early on optimally prepares students for the demands of the job market. They learn to conduct complex data analyses, develop algorithms, and simultaneously consider ethical and legal frameworks. This holistic education is a crucial competitive advantage in an increasingly digitalized world of work.

Furthermore, the yourAI platform offers excellent conditions for conducting doctoral theses and postgraduate research projects. Direct access to powerful computing resources makes it possible to address even highly demanding scientific questions and develop innovative approaches. The close link between research and practice not only strengthens individual academic careers but also the innovative capacity of the entire university.

The experience gained through the yourAI project is also incorporated into the further development of the curricula. This ensures that future degree programs and courses are continuously adapted to the changing demands of the digital world. Students thus benefit from a practical and future-oriented educational offering that optimally prepares them for the challenges of the global job market.

Interdisciplinary collaboration as a success model

Another key success factor of the yourAI initiative is the close interdisciplinary collaboration between departments. Professors from engineering, business informatics, and other disciplines were involved in the project from its inception. This close cooperation enabled the integration of diverse perspectives and the creation of an infrastructure that meets the university's multifaceted needs. This interdisciplinary collaboration not only leads to technical innovations but also fosters creative exchange and the development of new research ideas.

Professor Hans Brandt-Pook emphasizes that the availability of a modern and self-sufficient AI infrastructure is crucial for fostering the next generation of researchers. Low-threshold access to powerful resources enables undergraduate and graduate students to initiate their own projects and develop innovative solutions. This open platform creates an environment where interdisciplinary projects can flourish and new ideas can emerge.

Economic and social implications

The developments surrounding yourAI have far-reaching economic and social implications. The intensive use of AI and data-driven technologies is giving rise to new business models and market segments. Companies that engage with these technologies early on can secure competitive advantages and develop innovative products and services. HSBI makes a significant contribution to transferring knowledge and technology from academia to industry by providing a modern research infrastructure.

Furthermore, the use of AI has profound societal consequences. Processes are automated, workflows are optimized, and new forms of communication are established. This leads to a fundamental transformation of the labor market and the way services are delivered. By providing its students and researchers with a platform that actively supports these developments, HSBI contributes to ensuring that future generations are optimally prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the digital future.

yourAI by HSBI: The key to digital transformation in the education sector

The yourAI platform at HSBI is a pioneering project demonstrating how modern IT infrastructures can meet the demands of research and teaching. By employing cluster solutions, cognitive edge components, and a complex yet user-friendly software stack, it creates an environment capable of processing large datasets and training sophisticated AI applications. Students, researchers, and industry partners alike benefit from the diverse application possibilities and high performance of the infrastructure.

The interdisciplinary collaboration at HSBI, the combination of centralized data processing and decentralized edge solutions, and the continuous development of the platform ensure that the project not only achieves short-term successes but also makes a significant long-term contribution to scientific and economic development. The integration of yourAI into everyday university life is thus an example of how modern technologies can transform the education sector and pave the way for future innovations.

With yourAI, HSBI has not only created a modern infrastructure, but also sent a strong signal to society and the economy: the future lies in the intelligent use of data and the development of AI applications. These developments will continue to advance in the coming years and open up numerous new opportunities – be it in research, industry, or everyday life.

Projects like yourAI lay the foundation for a future in which technological innovations are viewed not merely as technical achievements, but as an integral component of sustainable and responsible progress. HSBI demonstrates that targeted investments in modern IT infrastructures and the promotion of interdisciplinary collaboration not only provide optimal support for young researchers, but also make a valuable contribution to addressing the challenges of digital transformation.

With an open-minded view of the future and a commitment to continuous innovation, HSBI ensures that its students and researchers are ideally equipped to fully exploit the potential of artificial intelligence. It becomes clear that this is not just about sheer computing power, but about creating an ecosystem in which technology, knowledge, and practical application seamlessly intertwine. Investing in projects like yourAI is therefore not only a technical decision, but also a strategic one that secures the university's long-term success and competitiveness.

The challenges of the modern world demand innovative solutions and close collaboration between science, industry, and society. The yourAI platform clearly demonstrates that the future of research lies in the ability to efficiently process large datasets and derive sound insights from them. At the same time, the platform offers a unique opportunity to translate theoretical concepts into practice, thus paving the way for new, interdisciplinary research projects.

The continuous development and expansion of the yourAI infrastructure will remain a central component of HSBI's strategic direction in the coming years. New technologies, improved algorithms, and increasing demands on data processing will trigger the next wave of innovation. The focus will always be on providing students and researchers with the smoothest and most efficient access to cutting-edge technology – thus laying the foundation for future breakthroughs in AI research.

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