The EDAG Group presented the AI prototype, the technical development of the EDAG CityBot, at the EDAG Tech Summit 2020, in this way underlining the technical feasibility of the mobility concept the company presented at the IAA 2019. Prof. Dr. Kristina Sinemus, Hessian Minister of State for Digital Strategy and Development, participated in a one-hour presentation of the AI prototype of the EDAG CityBot via live stream on 5 November, 2020.
Developed in the last 10 months, the mobile prototype clearly demonstrates the potential of the CityBot as it handles the task of waste disposal. Thanks to artificial intelligence and machine learning, the EDAG experts have developed an object recognition system capable of identifying litter, for instance scrunched up paper, beverage cans and bottles, and then using its robotic arm to pick it up and dispose of it accordingly. This shows that the CityBot is not science fiction. It is quite possible that robot vehi-cles will soon be a part of the urban landscape and, thanks to their efficiency, replace numerous differ-ent vehicles and take over all kinds of functions such as passenger and goods transport or municipal tasks in cities. On account of the EDAG Group's engineering achievements and pioneering spirit, we are now a good deal closer to our goal of reducing traffic and emissions while ensuring greater mobility and improving the quality of life.
"At the moment, we are experiencing how very important a functioning digital infrastructure and good digital solutions are for each and every one of us. Technological change opens up opportunities for the state of Hesse, for citizens, businesses, science and research. We want digitalisation to bring about tangible benefits for people, and will actively and with a clear will be managing and shaping digital change in Hessen to ensure its success," explained Prof. Dr. Kristina Sinemus, Minister for Digital Affairs at the EDAG Tech Summit.
The concept has met with an extremely positive response, especially from cities and local authorities, and shows that politicians, too, are looking for new sustainable and future-oriented ways of solving transport problems, particularly in big cities. This summer, for example, the Spanish Ministry of Transport suggested a cooperation for the further development of the concept, with the promise that test areas in selected Spanish cities would be set up as "living laboratories".
Michael Güntner, State Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure, was also impressed by the AI prototype during his participation in the EDAG Tech Summit on 16 October, 2020, and announced that he would arrange for the CityBot concept to undergo further testing by the Federal Ministry of Transport.
"For the EDAG Group, the AI prototype of the EDAG CityBot is a visible statement of our philosophy of 360 degree engineering. At the same time, it stands for our conviction that digitalisation represents a great opportunity for the successful further development of mobility", stresses Cosimo De Carlo, CEO of the EDAG Group.