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CATALPA presenting itself at the Campusfest

[14.08.2024]

CATALPA offered hands-on science at the current FernUniversität Campusfest. "AI and virtual reality - revolution for our everyday lives?" was the topic of the opening lecture by Prof. Dr. Torsten Zesch and Prof. Dr. Thomas Ludwig on Roter Platz.

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Stairs and wall in different colors — FernUni President Ada Pellert welcomed the audience to the lecture by Thomas Ludwig (center) and Torsten Zesch.

Opportunities and risks of the technologies

Audience at Roter Platz — The lecture drew a large audience to Roter Platz.

Before the party started with live music, the visitors dived into the world of new technologies together with Torsten Zesch (CATALPA) and Thomas Ludwig (Research Cluster Work - Education - Digitalization). Zesch explained the opportunities and risks of artificial intelligence. Thomas Ludwig's presentation focused on the possibilities of virtual reality and other immersive technologies for everyday life and the work environment. The two researchers then discussed numerous questions from the audience.

Showcase: What does AI think about me?

A group of people stand around a monitor with a webcam. — Following the lecture, the Campusfest guests had the opportunity to try out AI and VR in practice.

Afterwards, it was also possible to try them out: What does the world look like through VR glasses? How does it feel to move virtually through new places?

Piush Aggarwal, research associate at the CATALPA research center, had set up an AI showcase. With a photo comparison, visitors were able to find out what an AI thinks about them and which German actor they looked like from an AI perspective. The results oft this AI showcase were sometimes astonishing, but also hilarious.