The study investigated how AI is used in companies' research and development work and where it is already being incorporated into new products. Using detailed written questionnaires, over 200 companies provided answers on four key areas of AI in R&D. In addition to the identification of new service offerings through the "application of AI in the product portfolio", possible applications for the "optimization of internal R&D processes" were queried. The companies also provided information on "organizational requirements" and "technological requirements" for the successful integration of artificial intelligence in R&D. The responses on the use of AI were first evaluated and 30 top performers were identified. From this group, the WZL at RWTH Aachen University and the Complexity Management Academy identified the five leading companies - the 'Successful Practices 2019' include 3M Germany, ABB, Airbus, Dürr Systems and Wacker Chemie.

A winning example: AI at Dürr Systems

Dürr Systems, for example, scored highly in the "Applications in the portfolio" evaluation criterion: Its 'DXQplant.analytics' software uses AI to systematically identify quality deviations in the car painting process, uncover the causes and derive optimization suggestions. This is achieved through self-learning data models that search for recurring patterns in the measured quality data and link these to special features in the painting process. Another argument in Dürr's favor was the 'Adamos' platform for the Industrial Internet of Things, which was founded together with partner companies.

Community with manufacturing companies in development

A key finding of the consortium study is that the successful practice companies in particular are developing use cases in networks. The aim of the following activities: The competencies of the university environment at RWTH Aachen University are to be linked more closely with manufacturing companies. A community with manufacturing companies will be established on the university campus in order to promote collaboration in the field of digital solutions in R&D. Demonstrators are to be set up and use cases implemented.

Basis for data collection

The "Successful Practices" were determined in collaboration with a jury of experts from international companies, who also formed the consortium for the project. The members of the consortium were 24 leading industrial companies from the manufacturing industry in a wide range of sectors. Prof. Günther Schuh, Director of the WZL at RWTH Aachen University, led the project. At the start of the project in July 2018, the partners worked out the current industrial challenges in the field of 'Integration of AI in R&D'. These challenges formed the basis for the questionnaire. A large proportion of the companies that responded came from Germany. The remaining companies are based in other European countries, the USA or Asia.