Federal Minister for Digital Affairs Dr. Volker Wissing: How does AI work? Where can it be used effectively? – Image: MISSION AI / Stefan Wieland
Technology meets trust: New center for artificial intelligence opens
Federal Digital Minister Dr. Volker Wissing opens interactive experience space for artificial intelligence
How does artificial intelligence (AI) work? Where can it be used profitably? And above all: What makes it trustworthy? Those interested can now explore these questions at the Innovation and Quality Center (IQZ) for Artificial Intelligence in Berlin. Federal Minister for Digital Affairs Dr. Volker Wissing officially opened the interactive experience space at the German Museum of Technology today.
The exhibition comprises eight innovative exhibits showcasing AI in practical applications: from speech models and image recognition to medical applications. The IQZ is a key component of the MISSION AI initiative, through which the German Federal Government aims to promote the use of AI technologies in Germany and strengthen its digital competitiveness.
Building trust through knowledge
At the opening, Dr. Volker Wissing emphasized the relevance of artificial intelligence for Germany's future: "We are creating a place where citizens can experience how AI improves their lives. Trust in modern technologies is central to this. We need a positive, innovation-friendly atmosphere for new technologies in our society and economy. Without AI, we will not be competitive in the future. We must apply it broadly – in medicine, in administration, in logistics, in all sectors of the economy. This exhibition aims to help dispel reservations and convince people of the practical advantages of AI. Following Kaiserslautern, we are now sending a strong signal in Berlin for the development of trustworthy AI 'Made in Germany'."
A milestone for Germany as a location for innovation
Manfred Rauhmeier, Chairman of the acatech Foundation, emphasized the importance of the new center: “The Berlin Innovation and Quality Center is a milestone. It motivates people to actively shape the future, from which truly effective solutions to the global competition of the AI-based data economy can emerge. The IQZ Berlin embodies the work of MISSION AI and the entire acatech Foundation: We foster pre-competitive cooperation, initiate concerted actions, and thus enable the joint development of thriving innovation and transfer ecosystems.”
Joachim Breuninger, Director of the German Museum of Technology, also emphasized the importance of the location: “The German Museum of Technology stands for the connection between people and technology, between the history of technology and the future. This makes us the ideal location for the IQZ Berlin. With the new AI exhibition, we offer our visitors an exciting exploration of a technology that is already significantly influencing our lives.”
An interactive experience for everyone
The exhibition, which can be seen until the end of the year in the loading area (Hall 6) of the German Museum of Technology, offers interactive access to the diverse applications of AI. Visitors can, for example, engage in dialogue with an AI-based language model, test their skills with image recognition technology, or learn how AI can improve posture in the workplace.
A particular highlight is the use of mixed-reality glasses, which allow visitors to "immerse themselves" inside the human body to see how AI supports medical diagnoses and treatments. At the same time, the exhibition conveys the fundamentals of trustworthy AI. Visitors learn more about the technical functionalities, ethical standards, and quality assurance that are essential for the responsible use of AI.
Education and encounter
The IQZ Berlin sees itself not only as an exhibition venue, but also as a platform for dialogue and further education. Guided tours and workshops for school classes, as well as discussion and educational events for all age groups, are planned. The aim is to raise public awareness of the potential of AI and to promote the constructive use of the technology.
A key component of educational work is the development of skills in dealing with AI. Teachers and students can, for example, explore the ethical challenges and societal impacts of the technology.
Developing trustworthy AI
The MISSION AI initiative pursues a holistic approach: In addition to promoting dialogue and knowledge transfer, it places a strong emphasis on developing standards and testing procedures for AI applications. The first AI Innovation and Quality Center was opened at the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI) in Kaiserslautern in July 2024. Its focus is on developing technical testing procedures to support companies in implementing trustworthy AI solutions.
The IQZ Berlin complements this offering by bridging the gap between scientific research, practical applications and the general public.
Why trustworthy AI is crucial
Trustworthiness is a key aspect for the success of AI in Germany. Without the trust of the public and businesses, it will be difficult to implement the technology nationwide. The IQZ Berlin therefore places great importance on transparently demonstrating how AI works and openly discussing the challenges, such as:
- Bias and discrimination: How can prejudices in AI systems be detected and minimized?
- Data protection: What measures are necessary to protect personal data?
- Transparency: How can AI decisions be made comprehensible?
By conveying these fundamentals, a broad understanding of the opportunities and challenges of AI should be created.
A glimpse into the future
AI will increasingly shape our lives and work in the coming years. Whether in medicine, mobility, agriculture, or education – the potential applications are virtually limitless. With its MISSION AI initiative, the German Federal Government has set itself the goal of establishing Germany as a leading location for AI development and application.
The IQZ Berlin is an important building block in achieving this goal. It not only demonstrates what is already possible today, but also encourages active participation in shaping the future.
The exhibition at the German Museum of Technology is open to the public free of charge from Tuesday to Sunday. Everyone is invited to discover the fascinating world of artificial intelligence and explore the opportunities this key technology offers.
Related to this: