Episodi

  • Nils Janus | AI at Scale in Safety-Critical Manufacturing

    Nils Janus | AI at Scale in Safety-Critical Manufacturing
    Sep 24 2026
    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.
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    52 min
  • Jochen Gross | Why Data Is the Foundation of Every Sustainability Transformation

    Jochen Gross | Why Data Is the Foundation of Every Sustainability Transformation
    Aug 13 2026
    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.
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    46 min
  • Erik Brynjolfsson | The Economics of Getting AI Right

    Erik Brynjolfsson | The Economics of Getting AI Right
    Jul 14 2026
    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.
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    49 min
  • Dr. Christian Essling | Powering the Future: AI, Energy Transition, and the Case for Small Wins

    Dr. Christian Essling | Powering the Future: AI, Energy Transition, and the Case for Small Wins
    Jun 30 2026
    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.
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    43 min
  • Pina Schlombs | Industrial AI and Sustainability: Building Technology with Purpose

    Pina Schlombs | Industrial AI and Sustainability: Building Technology with Purpose
    Feb 3 2026
    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.
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    51 min
  • Moritz Frenzel | Building the Future: Making Engineering Accessible Through AI

    Moritz Frenzel | Building the Future: Making Engineering Accessible Through AI
    Dec 19 2025
    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.
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    46 min
  • Richard Socher | Innovation, Agents, and Democratizing Intelligence

    Richard Socher | Innovation, Agents, and Democratizing Intelligence
    Jul 14 2025
    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.
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    53 min
  • Judith Wiese | Leading with Purpose in the Age of AI

    Judith Wiese | Leading with Purpose in the Age of AI
    Jul 2 2025
    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.
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    34 min