fischer dual student Pascal Zinke presents the fischer AI building material recognition system in the film of “THE AI LÄND” campaign by the Southwest German federal state of Baden-Württemberg. The film was shot at the Innovation Park Artificial Intelligence (IPAI) in Heilbronn, which aims to create Europe’s leading ecosystem for applied artificial intelligence (AI). The fischer Group of Companies has been an IPAI member since February 2024.

“Our involvement in 'THE AI LÄND' campaign provided an excellent opportunity to showcase our AI building material recognition in an international, high-reach environment,” emphasises Marcus Keller, Head of the fischer InnovationCampus. “IPAI is the perfect platform to demonstrate Baden-Württemberg's progressiveness and innovative strength. Here, a variety of players from science, industry, and public institutions collaborate to advance the development and application of AI, driven by synergy. In addition to the strong network, members also benefit from an excellent infrastructure. It’s an inspiring place to explore and further apply responsible AI applications for our company and the construction industry.”

In the “THE AI LÄND” film, the so-called “Mission Controller” explores Baden-Württemberg's innovative strength at several stations, including IPAI. There, together with IPAI Managing Director Moritz Gräter, he meets Pascal Zinke, a dual student at the fischer Group of Companies, who presents the AI-based building material recognition demonstrator in the IPAI LIVING ROOM by knocking on a building material. “Every building material sounds different,” explains Pascal Zinke in the film.  “We’ve developed and trained an AI that can classify the sound and then identify the right material.” The AI building material recognition was developed in the TalentLab training program, in which four to six fischer dual students work for around three months on a specific task at the fischer InnovationCampus. In this case, the challenge was: “How can we support our DIY customers with AI?” What began as a fischer TalentLab project has since evolved into a fully productive system and is now available in the fischer DIY app for iOS and Android in the German App Stores and Google Play Stores.

With its “THE AI LÄND” campaign, the state of Baden-Württemberg aims to present itself both nationally and internationally as a modern, innovative business location, while highlighting its diversity and high quality of life. The campaign targets skilled workers and industry from around the world. The film shooting took place at the IPAI on 6 March. Footage featuring Pascal Zinke and the fischer AI building material recognition system will be used on social media and other channels as part of the campaign. Through this contribution, the fischer Group of Companies is positioning itself worldwide as a pioneer in fixing technology and AI. Pascal Zinke summarises: “It was a great experience to be part of this campaign and to represent fischer and the TalentLab.”