Shaping the future at the Center for Artificial Intelligence
The Center for Artificial Intelligence (KIZ) at the Technische Hochschule Nürnberg Georg Simon Ohm (the Ohm) is a unique place of innovation in the heart of the Nuremberg Metropolitan Region. Research, development and shaping the future with AI take place at the KIZ. The working environment combines state-of-the-art technology, a dedicated team and pioneering projects - and that is exactly what makes this place so special.
High-tech for creative minds
The KIZ, which is located close to the heart of the Ohm campus, is the hub for innovative AI projects in Nuremberg. Prof. Dr. Tobias Bocklet, one of the two heads of the KIZ alongside Prof. Dr. Korbinian Riedhammer, sums up the working environment: “People often ask me what an AI lab looks like. They are always disappointed when I say: it's just a room where people sit at computers and ask themselves the same questions over and over again.” Even if the AI lab looks like a normal office at first glance, it contains state-of-the-art technology: five powerful mainframe computers, equipped with highly modern graphics cards and a connected data center, form the technical base for the complex AI calculations. It is a place where neural networks are continuously designed and trained.
In addition to the technological equipment, creative techniques are also used, such as “blue wall” mindstorming, in which new ideas and concepts are developed. The direct exchange with cooperating partners, often on site, enables the practical development of projects.
Team and collaboration: knowledge transfer at all levels
The team at the KIZ comprises academic staff from various fields - however, all of the academic staff featured in the film studied at the Ohm. Most of them have a master's degree in computer science, engineering, or natural sciences and are working towards a doctorate. They are supported by academic support staff from various departments and student assistants who are gaining their first practical experience.
Collaboration is project-based, with agile teams working on real-life challenges. Academic supervisors oversee the projects, provide project management support, and promote the professional development of team members. The focus is on the continuous expansion of technical skills and the promotion of soft skills such as teamwork and self-organisation.
Work, research and projects: From early detection of dementia to wood defect detection
The innovation ecosystem of the Nuremberg Metropolitan Region forms the ideal basis for cooperation with companies and research partners based here. This enables the KIZ to launch innovative projects from a wide variety of fields: from health research to industrial applications and robotics - all projects have a strong application focus. One example, for which research associate Franziska Braun is responsible, is the early detection of dementia using an AI-supported test that is being developed in collaboration with research partners. Another project focuses on quality assurance in the craft: AI can be used to identify and quantify wood defects and detect rot in round timber in order to better determine its potential for further use. Another particularly practical example is the “bread roll detector”, which is used in a bakery to detect and record returns of baked goods. This relieves employees, reduces waste and increases resource efficiency. Both projects are supervised by Thomas Schmitt.
Environment and surroundings: Strategically networked for technology transfer
The Technology Transfer Center Upper Franconia (TTZ) in Kronach is also located in the Nuremberg Metropolitan Region and is closely linked to the KIZ. “This strategic networking facilitates the exchange with small and medium-sized companies and enables the practical implementation of research projects directly in business practice,” says Bocklet, Academic Director of the TTZ. Together with Managing Director René-Christian Effinger, the KIZ at the TTZ helps to bring innovation to the region and strengthen the competitiveness of the economy.
A workplace with added value
“What makes the work so special for me is that I come into contact with many different people. I work with psychologists and doctors and have the opportunity to travel to international conferences with experts. That's a huge benefit for me,” says Franziska Braun, a research assistant at the KIZ. However, the Ohm not only offers an exciting working environment, but also excellent conditions for balancing work with private and family life and leisure time. Flexible working hours, a generous policy for remote working (home office), and additional days off in addition to the 30 days of annual leave facilitate a good work-life balance. Salaries are based on the TV-L regulations, including regulated and regular step increases. Employees also receive a special annual payment in November. Employees also benefit from numerous professional development and training opportunities, a corporate benefits programme and an attractive university sports programme.
Further benefits:
- Discounted lunch in the canteens for all employees
- Regular range of school holiday childcare options for employees' children
- Places available for employees' children at the milliOHM crèche close to the university
- Free e-charging station for all employees on campus
- Capital-forming benefits
- Own sustainability strategy
The perfect place for innovation artists
The Ohm's KIZ stands for modern working in an agile environment, application-oriented research and the opportunity to actively shape the future. Whether students, career starters or young professionals - the KIZ offers space for professional development and the chance to work at the interface between science and business.
© Tim El-Helou, Europäische Metropolregion Nürnberg, Technische Hochschule Nürnberg Georg Simon Ohm
