HANNOVER – Continental and the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI) have announced a strategic partnership aimed at revolutionizing mobility through the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. As part of this collaboration, a new research lab, Forschungslabor Intelligente Technologien (FIT), will be established at DFKI’s Kaiserslautern location, where Continental engineers will explore the fundamentals of AI technology and address specific challenges in mobility, according to a press release published on EuropaWire.

Kurt Lehmann, Corporate Technology Officer at Continental, highlighted the significance of the partnership, stating, “Continental’s vision is to become an ‘AI-empowered company,’ utilizing artificial intelligence across all levels of operation to enhance efficiency and innovation.” He emphasized the pivotal role of AI in shaping the future of mobility, particularly in the realm of automated and autonomous driving.

The collaboration will focus on various applications of AI, including knowledge management, material flow optimization, and software development. Continental aims to leverage AI-based tools to streamline internal processes, enhance quality assurance, and accelerate product development.

Professor Andreas Dengel, head of DFKI‘s research sector “Smart Data & Knowledge Services,” underscored the importance of active knowledge management in fostering sustainable corporate growth. He highlighted the development of automated personal knowledge assistants as a key initiative to enhance organizational flexibility and coherence.

Continental’s AI initiatives extend beyond research and development. The company plans to incorporate neural networks into its fifth-generation cameras by 2020, enabling faster object recognition and enhancing safety features in vehicles.

Continental’s commitment to AI research is reflected in its collaborations with leading institutions worldwide, including NVIDIA, Baidu, and various research institutes. The establishment of a center of excellence for deep machine learning in Budapest further signifies Continental’s dedication to advancing AI technologies.

Founded in 1871, Continental is a global technology company specializing in innovative solutions for sustainable and connected mobility. With sales of €44 billion in 2017 and over 240,000 employees worldwide, Continental remains at the forefront of shaping the future of mobility.

DFKI, the largest non-profit organization for AI research globally, boasts an extensive research portfolio spanning various domains, from smart data and knowledge services to robotics and embedded intelligence. With over 500 employees from 60 countries, DFKI is a leading force in driving AI innovation and its application across industries.