The Taiwan AI Center of Excellence (Taiwan AICoE) is an initiative that aims to coordinate and integrate the best researchers, resources, and capacities in AI research in Taiwan at a strategic level. A delegation of 21 specialists, led by Minister of Science Prof. Cheng-Wen Wu, visited Germany from September 1 to 5, 2024.
Cooperation agreement between DFKI and AICoE
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed on September 2 between DFKI and Taiwan AICoE, creates a framework for future cooperation. The plan is to develop a joint AI research agenda, carry out joint projects, exchange and visit researchers, and organize workshops and conferences.
The following topics have been identified as potential cooperation projects for an initial period starting in 2025:
- Large language models for the next generation of cyber-physical systems
- Neuro-symbolic methods for explainable and trustworthy generative AI systems
- AI and robotics for agriculture
- AI for the next phase of Industrie 4.0 focusing on the semiconductor industry
Three workshops were conducted to identify further areas of mutual interest: AI systems in the healthcare sector, autonomous driving and anytime algorithms for real-time edge applications.
Prof. Wolfgang Wahlster, founding director of DFKI and current Chief Executive Advisor, travelled to Taiwan in April 2024 for a delegation trip. During the trip, Prof. Wahlster was able to establish valuable contacts with Taiwan's leading AI institutes and the responsible management personnel in the National Science and Technology Council, which have now resulted in the cooperation agreement between DFKI and AICoE.
Visit to DFKI Laboratory Berlin and first scientific exchange
Prof. Antonio Krüger, CEO of DFKI, and Prof. Wahlster received a high-ranking delegation of researchers from Taiwan. The delegation was led by Minister Prof. Wu, Head of the National Science and Technology Council (NTSC), and Prof. Jane Yung-jen Hsu, Vice Head of AICoE. This visit took place at the DFKI Lab Berlin as part of a return trip.
Potential of the cooperation
Prof. Wahlster highlights the potential of the cooperation: “The cooperation in the field of AI with Taiwan is beneficial for both sides because we can learn from each other: Taiwan is a leader in the production of microelectronics for AI, while Germany has a head start in the field of industrial AI methods for equipping modern factories.”
Prof. Antonio Krüger said: “Today we have laid another foundation stone for DFKI's global networking with other leading institutes in the field of AI, which we are systematically expanding. We have already been cooperating with AI centers of excellence in the USA and Japan for 30 years. In recent years, we have strengthened our networks with France, Italy, Israel, Spain, Sweden, Canada, and the Czech Republic.”