Artificial intelligence: AI research on Speed-HSBI starts data center “Yourai” for researchers and students
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Published on: March 10, 2025 / update from: March 10, 2025 - Author: Konrad Wolfenstein

With the project "Yourai" funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, the HSBI has created an interdisciplinary platform for AI applications-Image: K. Starodubskij/HSBI
Yourai project: a key to the future of interdisciplinary research
Artificial intelligence for everyone: How the HSBI transforms access
In the age of digital transformation and the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI), the structure of powerful IT infrastructures is becoming increasingly important-not only for the economy, but also for research and teaching. This development is taken into account at the Bielefeld University (HSBI). With the “Yourai” project, which is supported by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), a state-of-the-art AI infrastructure was created, which offers researchers and students an uncomplicated and free access to enormous computing capacity. This innovative platform is not only a technical highlight, but also an essential building block for young scientists and for interdisciplinary research approaches.
A modern infrastructure for AI research
The path to "Yourai" begins well before you enter the actual server room. In an inconspicuous staircase, a few meters away from an abandoned parking deck, a thick steel door with the inscription “Data processing center. Technology ”to a place where busy sums, noise and the light of numerous illuminated ads come together. A technically impressive server room is revealed behind another solid steel door, in which countless cables and stacked metal housing form the backbone of the AI infrastructure. Large amounts of data are processed here and KIS is trained - an environment that forms the basis for modern research projects.
The establishment of this computing power is particularly remarkable because it was realized at a University of Applied Sciences (HAW), where such high capacities were traditionally rare. A few years ago, the use of such efficient computer infrastructures was primarily considered the domain of basic research at research -strong universities. However, the HSBI recognized early on that AI and digitization have long since penetrated all departments - from engineering to business informatics to social and humanities disciplines. It was therefore decided to provide this advanced technology to anyone interested.
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Basics and structure of the Yourai platform
The Yourai platform is based on a cluster solution in which several computers are connected to add up to your computing power and expand the available storage space. This procedure offers several advantages: In addition to the significantly increased computing power, failure safety is also increased, since in the event of a computer failure, other systems can take on its tasks. This redundant protection is particularly important when it comes to processing sensitive and large amounts of data.
A central aspect of the project is the use of modern hardware components. In addition to the central servers that act as the heart of the infrastructure, so-called cognitive-edge components are also used. These are highly efficient low-power microcontrollers, single-board computers with integrated AI accelerators and embedded graphics cards that enable data to process directly on the source. This decentralized data processing, also known as EDGE computing, offers the advantage that data does not only have to be transported to a central server via the network. This not only increases data security, but also protects privacy - one aspect that is of crucial importance, for example, in the case of smart applications in domestic care.
As Professor Wolfram Schenck, spokesman for the project team and expert in engineering informatics, emphasizes that AI applications have an enormous need for storage and computing power. He explains that "the necessary training of AI applications creates a significant need for efficient infrastructure" and emphasizes that these capacities have so far hardly been available to HAWS. This underlines the high degree of innovation and the future -oriented orientation of the Yourai project.
Interdisciplinarity and wide range of applications
The strength of the Yourai platform is not only its technical equipment, but also in its broad interdisciplinary orientation. Already in the development phase of the project, all relevant departments of the HSBI were included. For example, students and researchers from different disciplines benefit from the new infrastructure. Whether in engineering, business informatics or in other areas - the platform offers a wide range of applications that range from image detection to language processing to data analysis and process automation.
Professor Stefan Berlik, who deals intensively with Big Data Analytics in the Department of Engineering and Mathematics, explains that "the decision for a cluster solution enables computing power to multiply and at the same time provide more storage spaces". This approach offers enormous advantages, particularly in the case of calculating-intensive tasks, such as those in the area of AI-supported research. By using modern technologies, complex tasks can also be processed efficiently and reliably.
In addition, the integration of cognitive-edge components ensures that data-intensive processes are processed where the data is collected. Professor Thorsten Jungblut, expert for industrial Internet of Things, explains that this decentralized processing is particularly invaluable in industrial applications such as quality control of surfaces. He explains that "in hard real -time conditions, for example in quality control, it must be reacted to sensor data immediately in order to avoid errors", which is realized by the use of Edge Computing.
Technical challenges and solutions
The structure of such a complex IT infrastructure is associated with numerous technical challenges. One of the greatest hurdles was the coordination and configuration of the complex software stack, which is necessary to control and manage the cluster. In addition to the pure hardware, software solutions also had to be developed that enable access via the existing university network. The close cooperation with the IT department of the HSBI played a crucial role here. Professor Schenck emphasizes that "only through intensive coordination and the use of competent IT specialists the smooth integration of the Yourai cluster into the university IT infrastructure could be achieved".
Another aspect that had to be taken into account in the implementation concerns the safety of the data. In times of increasing cyber attacks and sensitive research data, it is of central importance that all components of the cluster are protected against potential attacks. The redundant structure of the cluster solution offers an important protective mechanism here. If a single computer fails or compromised, another will automatically take over its tasks. This significantly increases the availability and reliability of the infrastructure.
Promotion of young scientists
A central aspect of the Yourai project is the targeted promotion of young scientists. The HSBI thus sets a clear sign that research and teaching have to go hand in hand in order to meet the requirements of the modern digital world. Students and doctoral students receive direct access to the latest computing power through the platform, which enables them to implement their own research projects and to develop innovative ideas. This not only leads to a deeper understanding of the theoretical foundations of the AI, but also promotes the practical use of methods of data analysis, image detection and process automation.
The close cooperation between the various specialist areas of the university creates an interdisciplinary learning environment in which new ideas and solutions can arise. For example, knowledge from business informatics flow into engineering science and vice versa, which contributes to a holistic understanding of technological developments. The promotion of interdisciplinary projects is an important step to meet the challenges of digital transformation.
Future prospects and further developments
Even if the current performance of the Yourai platform is impressive, those responsible at the HSBI are already looking into the future. Technological progress is progressing unstoppable and the requirements for AI applications will continue to increase in the coming years. Professor Frederik Bäumer, who works in the field of business informatics, admits that the current infrastructure does not achieve the performance of a university data center or that of a commercial AI cluster of large internet companies. Nevertheless, the focus is not on absolute performance, but rather at the resource efficiency and the availability of the platform for the university.
Future developments will focus more on taking into account the needs of users and continuously adapting the platform to new requirements. Personnel support and regular maintenance of the infrastructure play an as important role as technical development. Thanks to the continuous investment in its own in-house expertise, HSBI ensures that it also remains an attractive partner for interdisciplinary research projects in the long term.
The further development of the Yourai platform is also closely linked to the general digitization and the spread of AI technologies. In the coming years, new fields of application will be developed, which range from intelligent assistance systems to data -driven decision -making processes. The possibilities that open up through the use of modern computing power are almost limitless - and the HSBI is well equipped to take advantage of these opportunities.
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The role of AI in research and teaching
Artificial intelligence has had a profound influence on almost all areas of life in recent years. This applies equally to the economy, healthcare, industry and of course also to the academic world. At universities such as the HSBI, KI is already integrated in numerous projects and courses to offer students a forward -looking curriculum and at the same time support innovative research projects.
An important aspect here is the practical mediation of AI technologies. Students should not only acquire theoretical knowledge, but also gain practical experience in dealing with modern technologies. The Yourai platform offers ideal conditions for this: By direct access to a powerful computing infrastructure, students can carry out their own experiments, analyze complex data records and train modern algorithms. This enables a deep insight into the functionality and the challenges of AI systems.
In addition, interdisciplinary projects on the HSBI open the room to test theoretical concepts in real use cases. Whether it is about the development of intelligent assistance systems, the optimization of production processes or the analysis of large amounts of data-the Yourai platform offers the necessary tools and resources. The close integration of research and teaching not only promotes the individual competence of the students, but also helps to develop innovative solutions for social challenges.
Integration into everyday university life
The implementation of yourai into everyday university life is a prime example of how modern technologies can transform the education sector. Access to the platform is easily via special login data that are made available to students and researchers. As soon as access is granted, a wide range of hardware components and software applications opens up, which can be used as required.
This openness and flexibility are central success factors of the project. The HSBI has managed to create an infrastructure that is not only technically up to date, but also user -friendly and adaptable. The possibility of using various hardware solutions such as central servers and EDGE computing components enables users to develop tailor-made solutions for their individual research questions.
In addition, the platform is also an important part of the strategic orientation of the university. In times when digitization and AI are among the key factors for innovation and competitiveness, the HSBI positions itself as a pioneer in interdisciplinary cooperation and practical training. Due to the extensive use of modern technologies, not only teaching is improved, but also creates a network that combines students, researchers and industrial partners.
Practical applications and examples
The possible uses of the Yourai platform are diverse and range from classic applications of image recognition and language processing to data-driven analyzes and automated processes. In industry, for example, AI-based systems for quality control can be used to identify and remedy mistakes in production lines at an early stage. The use of EDGE computing components enables these systems to process sensor data in real time and trigger immediate reactions-a decisive advantage in an environment in which every millisecond counts.
Another interesting field of application is the processing of natural language. Thanks to advanced algorithms, texts, language and even emotional nuances can be analyzed and interpreted. This opens up numerous options, for example in the development of chatbots, the automation of customer inquiries or the optimization of information flows in companies. Here, too, the high computing power of the Yourai platform plays a crucial role, since complex language models often need enormous resources to work efficiently and precisely.
In the field of image recognition, students and researchers can train algorithms, for example, identify and classify objects in photos or videos. This has far -reaching applications, for example in medical diagnostics, where image data is used to recognize diseases at an early stage, or in traffic monitoring, where autonomous systems can contribute to accident prevention. The combination of central data processing and decentralized EDGE solutions ensures that the processing of the image data is not only quick, but also safe and data protection compliant.
The Yourai platform also plays an important role in data analysis. At a time when almost all industries are affected by the flood of digital data, the platform enables large amounts of data to evaluate efficiently and gain valuable knowledge. These include, for example, statistical analyzes, predictive modeling and the training of machine learning algorithms. By providing a powerful infrastructure, very complex questions can also be solved, which in the past have often failed due to the limited resources of the university.
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Yourai platform: bridge between science and industry
The added value for research and economy
The synergies between research, teaching and economy are an essential driver of digital transformation. With the Yourai platform, the HSBI not only sets a sign of technological progress in the academic world, but also creates a bridge into industry. With close cooperation with companies, practical projects can be realized that benefit from both sides: While companies benefit from innovative solutions, students and researchers gain valuable insights into real problems.
This practice -oriented cooperation leads to an intensive exchange between science and business. For example, as part of projects, students can work directly on questions that are currently of high relevance in industry. The knowledge gained in turn flows into teaching and enrich the curriculum. This creates a dynamic cycle in which innovation and practice are closely linked.
In addition, the Yourai infrastructure helps to strengthen the Bielefeld location as a center for modern research and technology. The possibility of implementing complex AI projects in a real environment attracts not only national but also international research cooperation. The university thus benefits from a broad network that promotes the exchange of knowledge and the joint development of future -oriented technologies.
Challenges of AI implementation and social effects
In addition to the technical aspects, the social 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 the focus of the discussion. The HSBI and their partners attach great importance to the fact that these questions are an integral part of the research projects. It is always weighed on how technological innovations can be implemented responsibly without affecting the rights and freedoms of the individual.
As part of the YourAI project, interdisciplinary seminars and workshops are also offered in which ethical and legal aspects of AI are discussed. Here experts from the areas of computer science, law and social sciences meet to develop guidelines together that ensure the responsible use of AI. These educational offers help to raise awareness of the social implications of digitization and to sensitize future specialists accordingly.
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Training and future prospects
The integration of yourai into everyday university life also has long -term effects on the training of students. The possibility of dealing with the challenges and potential of modern AI technologies at an early stage prepares the students optimally for the requirements of the labor market. You will learn to carry out complex data analyzes, develop algorithms and at the same time take ethical and legal framework into account. This holistic training is a crucial competitive advantage in an increasingly digitized world of work.
In addition, the Yourai platform also offers excellent prerequisites for the implementation of doctoral theses and postgraduate research projects. Direct access to powerful computing resources makes it possible to edit very demanding scientific questions and develop innovative approaches. The close connection between research and practice not only strengthens the individual scientific career, but also the innovative strength of the entire university.
The experiences that are gained as part of the Yourai project also flow into the further development of the curricula. In this way, future courses and courses are continuously adapted to the changing requirements of the digital world. The students thus benefit from a practical and future -oriented educational offer, which optimally prepares them for the challenges of the global world of work.
Interdisciplinary cooperation as a success model
Another important success factor of the YourAI initiative is the close interdisciplinary cooperation between the departments. Already in the development phase of the project, professors from the areas of engineering, business informatics and other disciplines were integrated into the process. This close cooperation made it possible to integrate different perspectives and create an infrastructure that meets the diverse requirements of the university. Cooperation between the disciplines not only leads to technical innovations, but also promotes 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 makes a decisive contribution to promoting young scientists. The low -threshold access to powerful resources enables students and doctoral students to initiate their own projects and to develop innovative solutions. This open platform creates an environment in which interdisciplinary projects can thrive and in which new ideas originate.
Economic and social implications
The developments around Yourai have far -reaching economic and social effects. The intensive use of AI and data -driven technologies creates new business models and market segments. Companies that deal with these technologies at an early stage can secure competitive advantages and develop innovative products and services. With the provision of a modern research infrastructure, the HSBI makes a significant contribution to the fact that knowledge and technology from the academic environment can be transferred to business.
In addition, the use of AI also has profound social consequences. Processes are automated, work processes are optimized and new forms of communication are established. This leads to a fundamental change in the labor market and the way in which services are provided. By offering its students and researchers a platform that actively supports these developments, she helps you to optimally prepare future generations for the challenges and opportunities of the digital future.
Yourai from HSBI: The key to digital transformation in the education sector
The Yourai platform of the HSBI is a pioneering project that shows how modern IT infrastructures can meet the requirements of research and teaching. By using cluster solutions, cognitive-edge components and a complex but user-friendly software stack, an environment is created that enables large amounts of data to process and train demanding AI applications. Students, researchers and industrial partners benefit equally from the diverse applications and the high performance of the infrastructure.
The interdisciplinary cooperation at the HSBI, the combination of central data processing and decentralized EDGE solutions as well as the continuous further development of the platform ensure that the project not only achieves short-term success, but also makes a significant contribution to scientific and economic development in the long term. The integration of yourai into everyday university life is an example of how modern technologies can transform the education sector and pave the way for future innovations.
With yourai, the HSBI 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 progress in the coming years and open up numerous new opportunities - be it in research, industry or in everyday life practice.
Projects such as yourai lay the foundation for a future, in which technological innovations are not only regarded as technical achievements, but as an integral part of sustainable and responsible progress. The HSBI shows that by targeted investments in modern IT infrastructures and by promoting interdisciplinary cooperation, not only the young scientists can be optimally supported, but also a valuable contribution to managing the challenges of digital transformation can also be made.
With an open look into the future and the will to constantly innovate, the HSBI ensures that its students and researchers are well equipped in order to fully exploit the potential of artificial intelligence. It becomes clear that it is not just about the pure computing power, but about the creation of an ecosystem in which technology, knowledge and practice merges seamlessly. The investment in projects such as yourai is therefore not only a technical, but also a strategic decision that ensures the long -term success and competitiveness of the university.
The challenges of the modern world require innovative solutions and close cooperation between science, business and society. With the Yourai platform it becomes clear that the future of research lies in the ability to efficiently process large amounts of data and to gain well-founded knowledge. At the same time, the platform offers a unique way to put theoretical concepts into practice and thus pave the way for new, interdisciplinary research projects.
The continuous further development and expansion of the Yourai infrastructure will remain a central component of the strategic orientation of the HSBI in the coming years. New technologies, improved algorithms and increasing demands on data processing will trigger the next innovation. The focus will always be on enabling the students and researchers to provide the most smooth and efficient access to the latest technology as possible-and thus to lay the basis for future breakthroughs in AI research.
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