District supports AI initiative of the business development organisation
The Waldeck-Frankenberg Economic Development Agency is one of the first in Hesse to have a new digital employee: robot dog "BenBen". He demonstrates future technologies hands-on and how AI can support everyday business life. The district supports the initiative and promotion of innovation, digitalisation and automation - not only in administration, but also in business.
Accompanying companies into an AI-supported economy
The project aims to actively support the local economy - in particular companies from trade, crafts and services - on the path to an increasingly digitalised and AI-supported economy. The purchase of "BenBen" was made possible by the local business development association, which fully sponsored the acquisition. A so-called "Unitree Go 2 in the Pro version" is used - a highly developed model that is specially designed for training, programming and individual customisation.
This opens up the opportunity not only to demonstrate applications, but also to gain deeper insights into the technological, organisational and economic requirements of robotics and AI solutions. In future, the robot dog will be used at events, workshops, company visits and information formats organised by the business development agency in order to convey modern technologies in a clear, practical and low-threshold manner.
Engage with AI and recognise opportunities
"Artificial intelligence offers the economy almost unlimited opportunities that are far from being fully foreseeable today," explains Karl-Friedrich Frese, First District Councillor of the district of Waldeck-Frankenberg. "This makes it all the more important that we introduce our companies to these topics at an early stage and don't leave them on their own. The business development initiative is an example of what innovation promotion can look like in practice. The district expressly supports this approach, because only those who actively engage with AI and recognise it as an opportunity will remain competitive in the long term."
Mediator between technology and business practice
The aim of business development is to use AI robots as a mediator between technology and business practice. Many companies are aware of the importance of AI, but are confronted with uncertainties, knowledge gaps or barriers to investment. This is precisely where the project comes in: it aims to break down inhibitions, reduce fear of contact and at the same time provide inspiration for new services and business models.
Using AI individually in companies
"For us, BenBen is not an end in itself, but a tool," emphasises Dimitrij Schmalz, the district's business development officer. "We want to show what is already possible today and, together with the companies, consider how AI can be customised for each individual business. This is the only way to create real added value. The robot helps us to make the topic of robotics tangible and to convey complex content in an understandable way." There is already enormous demand for AI-supported products, processes and services both nationally and internationally. For an economically strong and broad-based district such as Waldeck-Frankenberg, this presents considerable opportunities to further develop existing expertise, open up new markets and secure jobs in the long term.
The close cooperation between the business development association, business promotion organisation and district administration has created a strong network that not only addresses innovation, but actively shapes it. With the use of the AI robot, the district of Waldeck-Frankenberg is sending out a visible signal of future-orientation, openness towards new technologies and partnership-based support for its companies on the path to digital transformation.
Caption: First District Councillor Karl-Friedrich Frese and Economic Development Manager Dimitrij Schmalz introduce "BenBen", the new digital employee of the Waldeck-Frankenberg Economic Development Agency. (Photo: District of Waldeck-Frankenberg)