With AI5innovation toward smart production

How can companies successfully integrate artificial intelligence and digital technologies into their production processes while minimising risk? This question was addressed in the breakout session ‘Minimising risk, exploiting opportunities: Test-before-invest in practice’ at the Zukunft.Produktion 2026 event held at the Upper Austrian Chamber of Commerce in Linz and organised by Business Upper Austria.

The focus was on the test-before-invest approach: New technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics and automation offer great potential for industry, but are often associated with high investment costs and technological uncertainties for companies. This is exactly where the concept comes in. Companies can test innovative solutions under realistic conditions before making an investment decision. This reduces risks and allows businesses to gain valuable experience in working with new technologies.

The approach was successfully implemented as part of the European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH) AI5production. The project, funded by the European Union, achieved impressive results over its three-year duration: more than 150 pilot and test-before-invest projects were carried out together with companies, more than 1,300 professionals were trained, and numerous businesses were supported in introducing digital production solutions. Companies were able to test AI-based robotics applications, automated 3D laser scanning and new approaches to digital quality assurance under real-world conditions without risk.

This successful approach is now being continued with its successor, EDIH AI5innovation, which was launched in November 2025. The hub supports small and medium-sized enterprises in particular in the use of artificial intelligence, automation and data-driven technologies, building on the experience gained by AI5production. The initiative impressively demonstrates how cooperation between research institutions and industry contributes to bringing digital innovations into industrial practice more quickly. In addition to technology consulting and test environments, the offering also includes training programmes and support for financing innovation projects. The aim is to accompany even more companies in their digital transformation and to further advance the development towards a sustainable, networked and highly automated industry.

The new hub, with a total of 20 partners, is coordinated by TU Wien and is built on a strong Upper Austrian partner network. The Upper Austrian network includes: JKU Linz, FILL, Business Upper Austria, and the centres from the UAR Innovation Network PROFACTOR, LCM, SCCH, LKR and Wood K plus.

Further information is available on the website of the European Digital Innovation Hub AI5innovation.