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In this episode, we sit down with Nils Janus, Chief AI Officer at Covestro, for a conversation on what it takes to deploy AI at scale across the safety-first world of chemical manufacturing. Nils brings a mathematician’s clarity and a background in theoretical computer science and psychology to the challenge of leading traditional industrial heritage into digital leadership.Why is Covestro replacing traditional 5-to-10-year IT roadmaps with agile 6-month game plans? How do probabilistic machine learning models win the trust of traditional chemical engineers to optimize batch cycle times? And what does it mean to define AI simply as Machine Learning plus Autonomy?Nils unpacks how automated plant monitoring unlocked double-digit million-euro cost avoidance, how Covestro’s internal AI Academy upskills domain experts into departmental AI leaders, and why Europe’s competitive edge lies in combining centuries of industrial heritage with AI innovation. From closed-loop plant control under strict safety guarantees to quantum-driven material simulation, this conversation offers a practical blueprint for turning AI ambition into bottom-line impact.

In this episode, we sit down with Jochen Gross, who leads Data Strategy and Architecture within the Sustainability team at Siemens, for a conversation that challenges how we think about both AI and sustainability. Jochen takes us behind the scenes of one of the most complex data challenges in corporate history: building the foundation that makes sustainable decision-making actually possible at scale.Why has sustainability evolved from a values-driven conversation into a data-driven discipline? Why are frameworks like the CSRD accelerating rather than slowing down the industry?Jochen unpacks the tension at the heart of AI today: the same technology consuming enormous energy could be our most powerful weapon against climate change. From product carbon footprints to digital twins that turned a 50kg robot gripper into a 2kg polymer marvel, Jochen shows us that the greatest untapped opportunity in sustainability isn't policy or engineering — it's data. And if you think that sounds dry, think again.

In this episode, we headed to the heart of Silicon Valley to meet Professor Erik Brynjolfsson, Director of Stanford's Digital Economy Lab and one of the world's leading thinkers on the economics of AI, for a conversation that bridges economics with bold human vision. Erik brings his clarity to some of today's biggest leadership questions: Why are companies spending billions on AI but seeing underwhelming results? What does his famous productivity J curve tell us about where we are right now and how close we are to turning the corner? And what separates the organizations that will thrive from those that won't survive the transition? From the power law of AI adoption and the danger of selection bias in productivity metrics, to the philosophical question of whether AI will one day need to "accept" us humans too, this episode is as thought-provoking as it is practical. Erik also shares why he believes we are not passive bystanders in the AI era, but active agents with more power to shape the world than any generation before us. A must-listen for leaders, innovators, and anyone ready to stop wondering what AI will do to them, and start deciding what they will do with it.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Christian Essling, Global Head of Data & AI at E.ON, one of Europe's largest energy companies, for a conversation about what it truly takes to drive AI transformation in the physical world.Christian shares his journey from dreaming of a consulting career to discovering the power of data-driven prediction during his PhD, and how that moment set him on a path to leading AI at scale across 76,000 colleagues and 1.6 million kilometers of infrastructure.We explore why Christian believes in the power of many smaller wins over elusive moonshots, how E.ON is tackling the volatility of renewable energy with AI and even quantum computing, and what it really means to keep a grid in balance when solar panels, heat pumps, and electric vehicles are rewriting the rules of energy consumption.From drone-based cable inspections and Boston Dynamics robots in transformer stations, to AI-powered customer experiences in 50 million households, this episode is a masterclass in grounding technology in real business value.Tune in to find out why Christian's boldest advice to every geek out there is simple: understand the business first.

In this episode, we explore the intersection of industrial AI and sustainability with Pina Schlombs, Sustainability Lead and Industrial AI Thought Leader at Siemens. Pina shares her journey from competitive sports to leading transformative AI initiatives reshaping how industries approach environmental impact.We dive into how AI delivers measurable sustainability outcomes - from optimizing energy consumption by 10-20% to enabling circular product design through digital twins. Pina reveals insights from the Siemens-Reuters report showing 70% of executives expect positive sustainability impacts from industrial AI within three years. We tackle critical questions: How do we balance AI's resource hunger with its benefits? What happens to human expertise in the age of AI agents?Tune in for Pina's advice on building impactful solutions, her hope for true AI creativity, and why the most powerful technology is built with purpose.

In this episode, we welcome Moritz Frenzel, Global Technical Director for Engineering, Data Science, and Automation at Altair. Together, we dive into the exciting intersection of engineering, creativity, and AI, exploring how democratized tools and simulation technologies are unlocking new possibilities for innovation.Moritz shares his vision for the future of engineering, reflecting on how AI enhances rather than replaces human creativity, and why he believes that “building is more than consuming.” From bold predictions about the next decade to lessons learned at the forefront of technology, this conversation is an inspiring reminder that innovation thrives on curiosity, collaboration, and the courage to rethink what’s possible.

In this episode, we’re joined by Richard Socher - visionary AI researcher and founder behind leading companies like MetaMind and you.com - for an enlightening conversation about the future of artificial intelligence. Richard shares his unique journey, highlighting how he transitioned from pioneering academic research to building startups that shape how AI impacts businesses and society at large. We delve into the rapidly changing world of natural language processing, discussing how today’s AI models are bringing together previously separate tasks into unified solutions and what that means for the future of work. Richard also reflects on the growing importance of communication, responsible leadership, and ethical development as AI becomes more accessible and integrated across industries. Tune in to discover Richard’s advice for embracing the opportunities of AI, the critical skills needed in a digital-first world, and why he believes the greatest challenges ahead are not just technical, but fundamentally human. Whether you’re an expert, a newcomer, or simply curious, this episode offers valuable insights into the evolving role of AI - and what it takes to lead responsibly in the age of intelligent systems.

Judith, Managing Board Member and Chief People & Sustainability Officer at Siemens, shares in this episode why purpose matters deeply to her - both personally and professionally. For her, AI is not just about efficiency but about improving lives and driving sustainable impact. She offers insights into how Siemens applies industrial AI to detect water leaks, reduce energy consumption, and drive meaningful impact - but also why technology alone isn’t enough. With a strong people-first mindset, Judith reflects on the cultural shift AI requires, and why psychological safety, continuous learning, and human connection are paramount to successful digital transformation. Find out how Judith defines leadership in the AI era - rooted in kindness, courage, and curiosity - and how we bring “Technology with Purpose” to life every day at Siemens.

In this episode, we dive deep into healthcare innovation with Daniele Iacovelli, SVP - Global Head of Digital, Analytics (AI) and Operational Excellence at Roche. Daniele shares how his team earned the prestigious Global Lighthouse Award for their groundbreaking work using AI to predict cell aging and growth patterns in biological processes.He shares what stuck with him from the World Economic Forum in Davos by offering unique insights on emerging AI trends, including the shift from generative AI to agentic AI and how it's revolutionizing pharmaceutical development. He explains Roche's human-centered approach to AI implementation and why integrating digital transformation with operational excellence is crucial for success.Discover why Daniele believes that "at the end, it's not a technical problem, it's a leadership opportunity" and learn his "Swiss knife" approach to balancing technical expertise with business acumen in a rapidly evolving industry addressing global healthcare challenges.

Imagine revolutionizing entire rail networks with AI! In our latest episode, our genius mind Sara Elkady, Senior VP of Strategy, Digitalization and Technology at Siemens Mobility, takes us on an exciting journey through the future of transportation. Discover how cutting-edge AI is transforming railway systems worldwide as Sara unveils Siemens' groundbreaking applications that are slashing energy consumption by 30%, mastering fleet management during unexpected disruptions, and revolutionizing maintenance processes. Sara brilliantly breaks down her innovative "dual AI" approach - using meticulous "descriptive" agents for safety-critical operations while unleashing creative "artistic" AI agents to dream up next-generation train designs that overcome global supply chain challenges. Plus, get an exclusive insider's look at Egypt's breathtaking $8 billion rail megaproject that's set to catapult the country into the world's high-speed rail elite!

In this episode of the Human & AI podcast we explore the transformative impact of Generative AI on the Software Development Life-Cycle. Join us as we engage with industry experts Thomas Rettenmaier and Adrian Dischinger. They share the fascinating journey of implementing GitHub Copilot at Siemens as a part of Dev [Boost], offering insights into the strategic methods used to seamlessly integrate this tool into existing workflows. We'll explore the critical evaluation of GitHub Copilot's impact on developer productivity and satisfaction and reflect on the challenges faced during its rollout, along with the valuable lessons learned.Looking ahead, what significant advancements are expected for AI copilots in software engineering? What upcoming innovations spark the most excitement among experts? Whether you are a software development enthusiast or a professional navigating AI integration, this episode offers an engaging and insightful perspective on the evolving landscape of AI in software development. Tune in for a comprehensive exploration of how AI is reshaping the industry, one line of code at a time.

Join us in an exciting episode with Daniel Mühlbauer, aka #DataDan, as we explore the groundbreaking integration of AI in People & Organizations. Uncover the potential of next generation GenAI powered HR chatbots, data-driven empowerment of self-directed teams, sparking innovation and agility within organizations. This episode invites you to envision a future where AI augments human roles, making P&O a dynamic force for change.

In this episode of "Human in AI Minds", hosts Ulli and Arberie welcome Siegmund Duell, a Value Stream Manager for Industrial Vision Applications, and Christian Zillner, Head of Deployment and Go-to-Market for Industrial AI at Siemens Factory Automation. They explore democratizing AI, challenges in implementation, and the importance of data in manufacturing.Siggi and Chris also share insights on making AI accessible to non-experts, the value of computer vision in quality control and the key challenges, while also highlighting the importance of making AI not just powerful, but also practical and integrated into the manufacturing ecosystem. Tune in for this newest episode with our brilliant guests!

In this episode of the "Human & AI" podcast, we get to the bottom of the fascinating world of autonomous robotics with Péter Fankhauser, the co-founder and CEO of ANYbotics!Péter shares his passion for technological advancement and his mission to create a workforce of autonomous robots that can revolutionize critical industries. He presents ANYbotics' unique approach to developing four-legged robots equipped with advanced sensors and AI capabilities, enabling them to navigate complex environments and assist in tasks such as inspection, maintenance, and data collection.If you're interested in learning how ANYbotics is bridging the gap between human and robotic workforces and want to understand the importance of responsible technology development, say no more and tune in to listen to this new episode!

In this episode of "Human & AI" podcast, we dive deep into the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the human resources (HR) landscape. Join us as we explore how leading organizations are harnessing the power of AI to revolutionize talent management, employee development, and organizational optimization with Michaela Schütt, the Senior Vice President in Digitalization Strategy for People & Organization at Siemens.As a pioneer behind Siemens' HR digitalization strategy, she shares her insightful journey of integrating AI into their HR processes. Discover how they have navigated the challenges of driving innovation within a large corporate setting, emphasizing the importance of a customer-centric approach, rapid prototyping, and fostering a culture of change to enable new data-driven HR models.Whether you're an HR professional, a business leader, or an AI enthusiast, this episode offers a unique perspective on the transformative potential of AI in the people-centric world of human resources. Tune in and be inspired to embark on your own AI-driven HR transformation journey!