Event reports

The Quality of products and services remains a key success factor in mechanical and plant engineering. To ensure that quality management can continue to play this key role in the future, it must continuously evolve – be it through new working models, increasing digitalization or the growing complexity of products. Artificial intelligence (AI) opens up new potential in this context, but also presents companies with major challenges in terms of data protection and data security.

In order to provide companies from the mechanical and plant engineering sector in North Rhine-Westphalia with practical insights into these topics, ProduktionNRW hosted a digital edition of the QM Corner on April 10, 2025.

Opportunities and risks in the use of AI

In his presentation, Dr. Thomas Nowey, Head of Corporate Cyber Security at Krones AG, vividly illustrated how AI is already being used at Krones – for example in internal IT systems and in products for automated quality control using image recognition. The company follows a clearly structured process for testing, approving and monitoring AI applications, taking strict account of data protection requirements.

In addition to the already established General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the new EU AI Act, which will be gradually applied from August 2024, is increasingly coming into focus. Among other things, this requires risk assessments, transparency, the safeguarding of technical protective measures and compliance with ethical principles such as fairness and accountability. The handling of personal data in AI systems is viewed particularly critically.

One focus was on LLM-based (Large Language Model) AI solutions, such as chatbots. These entail specific risks – including the unintentional disclosure of confidential information, the use of personal data without authorization or possible copyright infringements. Dr. Nowey emphasized that AI systems should be subject to the same quality and security standards as traditional IT solutions. These include a structured development process, comprehensive supplier management and the early involvement of data protection officers and the works council.
Recommendations for practical use include deliberate data minimization, clear allocation of roles in operations, continuous monitoring and accompanying training – for example in the form of an “AI driver’s license”. Only through a holistic interplay of technology, processes and a sense of responsibility can the safe and ethical use of AI succeed.

Discussion and exchange

In the concluding discussion round, the idea of an “AI driver’s license” was particularly well received by the participants. The risks involved in using AI – for example with regard to incorrect results or unauthorized access to personal data – were also discussed in depth. The exchange made it clear how important it is to take a critical and considered approach to AI in order to avoid potential damage and make responsible use of the opportunities offered by the technology.

Organizer

The event was organized by ProduktionNRW. ProduktionNRW is the cluster for mechanical engineering and production technology in North Rhine-Westphalia and is organized by VDMA NRW. ProduktionNRW sees itself as a platform for networking, informing and marketing companies, institutions and networks with each other and along the value chain. Significant parts of the services provided by ProduktionNRW are funded by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Protection and Energy of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia.