Pandemic-hit companies to be helped by University’s AI knowledge
Professor of computer science, Paul Davidsson
Companies hit by the pandemic will be helped by Malmö University as part of an EU-funded project with the help of artificial intelligence (AI). For example, researchers will act as a sounding board for where such technology is most useful.
“It is often a matter of analysing data in different ways. Then we can help companies find reasonable areas of use,” says Paul Davidsson, professor of computer science.
We see this as part of our mission to bring out the knowledge generated at the University and apply research results.
Paul Davidsson
The project, called DigIT Hub AI, is part of the EU initiative REACT-EU, which was created to use digital technology to stimulate a green and sustainable recovery after the pandemic. Behind the project are ten organisations, and three universities in the south of Sweden. The aim is to help small and medium-sized enterprises to develop their business with the help of AI.
Davidsson says that an AI algorithm, for example, can warn when a component in a machine needs to be replaced. In this way, it is possible to avoid downtime that costs money.
“But it's not just about using an AI algorithm, it’s also about putting people at the centre. You need to make sure that it is done a way that is understandable to those who will use AI technology,” he says.
The focus of the project is primarily on areas that contribute to increased business, climate benefits, and gender equality. The budget is10 million SEK over two years, and the goal of the investment is to reach 1,000 companies with information and training initiatives. Of these,100 companies will undergo an AI maturity analysis, and in addition, at least ten pilot projects in sustainable AI will be implemented.
At Malmö University, it is primarily researchers at the Department of Computer Science and Media Technology, and the research centre Internet of Things and People I(oTaP), who will be involved as experts and lecturers.
“We see this as part of our mission to bring out the knowledge generated at the University and apply research results. Then, of course, we also hope that it can lead to collaborations with companies in various research projects,” adds Davidsson.
Text: Magnus Jando & Adrian Grist