Artificial intelligence plays a central role at SCHUNK. Daniela Hermle, Head of Digital Office, explains in an interview why the company relies on its own GPT solution and involves its employees in AI development.
Where exactly does SCHUNK AI come into play?
It is now anchored in many areas of our company and helps us to make automation simpler and more intuitive, such as with our AI-supported 2D Grasping Kit, which allows customers to easily automate complex handling processes with a robot. Our internal processes also benefit greatly from AI: we use generative AI to support documentation in communication, HR, and sales. It quickly became clear that we could significantly increase our productivity.
What are the prerequisites for companies to integrate AI?
Enthusiasm and openness to new technologies, courage, and a “can-do” mentality. It is also important to build up skills throughout the company. The best way to do this is to work together with partners in order to learn from one another – for example at the IPAI in Heilbronn. We involve our employees in the introduction of AI right from the start.
How did SCHUNK proceed with the introduction?
We initially started with a small pilot group made up of various departments. This group tested the AI in their everyday work and provided feedback. Word of this quickly spread among the workforce and aroused interest. Within a few weeks, the group had grown to 30 employees. We then organized regular meet-ups in which we exchanged our experiences and coordinated further developments for optimization.
“Colleagues will only use AI in their everyday work if they recognize the benefits.”
Daniela Hermle, Head of Digital Office, SCHUNK
And what happened next?
At the same time, we launched the SCHUNK Tech Talks, in which SCHUNK employees present new technologies and report on their own experiences from their daily work. In addition, we offer all employees both on-site and online training courses on digitalization and AI. The global test run of our specially developed SCHUNK GPT prototype took place at the end of 2023. It was really exciting. All employees had access and were able to test the AI extensively. We received a lot of positive and constructive feedback as a result. This enabled us to significantly improve our SCHUNK GPT before its official release in February 2024.
That sounds like a culture of innovation in action. Were there no AI critics in the workforce?
Yes, we had that, too. The biggest concerns were around the topics of data security and “hallucination” – i.e., when the AI provides false or fictitious information. It was therefore all the more important for us to have the employees present at every step and to focus on personal exchange –in part to break down prejudices, learn from each other, and further develop the SCHUNK GPT.
So, open communication for broad acceptance?
Precisely. We do not simply present our colleagues with a fait accompli, but involve them at an early stage, listen to their opinions, and take feedback seriously. This creates active participation and the rapid recognition of the benefits of AI in everyday working life.
How does SCHUNK GPT help colleagues in specific terms?
It mainly takes on the small tasks that are always repeated according to a certain pattern. For example, in technical documentation. There, SCHUNK GPT provides support in the creation of standard-compliant instructions according to fixed specifications as well as in communication when creating texts for various media.
That sounds like a practical everyday helper. What’s next for AI?
SCHUNK GPT is set to become an everyday helper in many other areas. For example, in development or customer service, where we still see great potential. It is important to us that innovations are always linked to a specific use case, so that AI also has a practical benefit for SCHUNK and its workforce.
