Monika Unterholzner discusses the opportunities and risks of AI at Wiener Stadtwerken.
Monika Unterholzner, Deputy General Director of Wiener Stadtwerke GmbH, which is responsible for all public transport in Vienna, talks about the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the company. AI is not just a future prospect but is already in use.
The Wiener Stadtwerke is proactive in approaching AI. They have made the decision to organize themselves around this technology and ensure that there is a unit within the company that explores the potential uses of AI for all users and companies in the group, both now and in the future. They believe it is essential not to wait for the right technology to exist but to actively consider where AI can be used, its limitations, and how to proactively manage it. One key area where AI will be crucial is in predictive maintenance, ensuring systems operate smoothly and efficiently.
One promising application of AI at Wiener Stadtwerke is platform monitoring. By using AI, they can track passenger movements and distances from the platform edge, immediately alerting staff in case of any anomalies for passenger safety. AI is also being used in predictive maintenance to monitor factors like wheel wear on vehicles and track conditions, allowing for timely interventions to minimize wear and tear. Additionally, AI helps in managing passenger flows, as seen in the WienMobil app, which tracks passenger movements and aids in operational planning, especially during construction periods.
Regarding the risks associated with AI implementation, Wiener Stadtwerke sees AI as both an opportunity and a challenge. They hold vast amounts of data on customers and critical infrastructure that need protection using an All-Risk approach. They carefully monitor who has access to their data, how AI processes and potentially evolves with it. Testing and certification of AI systems are crucial to ensure reliability and safety, especially in areas like language translation for customer service.
In terms of workforce readiness for this technological shift, Wiener Stadtwerke is heavily investing in digital skills and encouraging the education system to do the same. While there is a need for skilled individuals to operate AI systems, the company also recognizes the importance of training new employees, especially in fields like electromechanics. They are one of the largest training providers in the country, with over 600 apprentices. However, the exact impact of AI on the workforce is still uncertain, and they are considering which tasks could be automated in the future.
This discussion, held in collaboration with the “Presse” newspaper and financially supported by Wiener Stadtwerke, sheds light on the proactive approach of the company towards integrating AI into their operations while addressing the challenges and opportunities it presents.
