The afternoon of the first day of the conference saw more high-calibre keynotes followed by inspiring discussions and valuable encounters - here are some of the highlights:

Urs Hölzle took us on a journey from the first great language models to the present day - when is the right time, when is the quality right and when is the audience ready. Hölzle says that today we still underestimate the efficiency gains of AI applications and says: "In 10 years' time, we will no longer be talking about the energy consumption of AI."

Hannah Schragmann and Hans Rusinek analysed changes in productivity and recognition in the world of work. Schragmann highlighted the increasing pressure to constantly reinvent oneself: "Today, people have to reinvent themselves faster and faster." Regarding the increased pressure of using AI in knowledge work, Rusinek sees primarily social and management problems, not technical ones, and reminds us: "Productivity means solving problems, and we're not going to run out of problems".

David Rowlands emphasised the importance of a thoughtful approach to successfully integrating AI and realising its potential. "For us, AI is a major disruptive and transformative capability", he said, adding that the key to success is a trusted AI framework that combines people, technology, trust and strategic value.

Thomas Zurbuchen shared insights into his impressive work in space robotics and explained the importance of AI and robotics for missions to distant worlds. "All of this is made possible by the development of just two things: good data, AI techniques and the manufacturing that makes them possible," he pointed out. He stressed the importance of working AI to the success of such missions: "The only way I can do this research is if the AI is working when we land."

This was Open-i 2024

Save the Date | 27 & 28 November 2025