Bright minds for artificial intelligence
The L3S is establishing an Applied Machine Learning Academy (AMA) – with a special focus on the use of machine learning in intelligent production. This is done in cooperation with the Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Machine Tools (IFW) within the framework of the BMBF-funded project of the same name.
Why a Machine-Learning-Academy?
Universities such as Leibniz University already offer excellent lectures and other events in the field of Machine Learning (ML), Artificial Intelligence and Data Science. However, these are mainly aimed at students of computer science and related subjects. In contrast, there is a need for qualification among employees who are already working in industry and who want or need to prepare themselves for the use of machine learning in their working environment. In fact, the shortage of skilled workers is seen as one of the greatest obstacles to the successful entry into digitisation, especially among small and medium-sized enterprises. An Applied Machine Learning Academy (AMA) can make an important contribution to this qualification. In addition, ML qualification offers for students from disciplines such as mechanical engineering are planned in AMA in order to better prepare future graduates for the central role of intelligent systems.
What does AMA have to offer?
AMA’s course offering includesintroductory events, such as an ML Taster Day, and a series of basic courses on ML-relevant topics, such as deep learning. A second component is the application-oriented courses. They focus on the specific challenges of using ML in the context of intelligent production. Practical training in laboratories and hands-on sessions plays an important role in the AMA training concept. The AMA portfolio is complemented by further courses on legal aspects of the use of Big Data or on bias and fairness in intelligent systems. When selecting and designing the courses, particular importance is attached to a strong need orientation of the course offerings and the sustainability of the qualification.
What does sustainable qualification mean?
Intelligent systems and machine learning as important building blocks of digitization are subject to rapid change. Employees must therefore undergo regular further training. AMA combines application-oriented knowledge transfer with learning modules that enable employees to independently familiarize themselves with new developments.
Dialogue with the business community
For a demand-oriented AMA qualification offer, a lively dialogue with industry is of central importance. The interdisciplinary AMA team can fall back on excellent contacts: for example from the Productions Innovations Network (PIN) and the Machining Innovations Network e.V. (MIN). Close cooperation with the Kompetenzzentrum Mittelstand 4.0 in Hanover will ensure further synergy effects and contribute to the attractiveness of the AMA qualification programme.
Research and qualification?
The new, rapidly developing and diverse ML application field of intelligent production – often also referred to as industry 4.0 – is currently in an experimental state, so that a well-defined method portfolio for application and training does not yet exist. One of AMA’s tasks is to develop a portfolio that can serve as a basis for qualification in this area. To this end, teams of data scientists and production engineers research and test innovative ML solutions for intelligent production in mini-projects on the basis of concrete requirements from industry. These exemplary solutions and collected experiences form the basis for the development of further application-oriented ML training contents.
