Enhancing work processes with artificial intelligence to boost employee welfare
In the ever-evolving world of automotive manufacturing, Audi is leading the charge in integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into its operations, all while prioritising the interests of its workforce. This forward-thinking approach is part of a comprehensive framework that includes the Audi Code of Conduct, a works agreement, a corporate AI policy, and a digital ethics framework.
The negotiated works agreement serves as a foundational basis for Audi’s responsible AI deployment and usage in the workplace. Its primary goal is to ensure the responsible and ethical use of AI, supporting employees, enhancing efficiency, and maintaining high quality standards across all business units.
The agreement emphasises easing workloads for employees and systematically integrating and scaling AI applications, particularly in production and logistics. Audi's strategic approach involves handling massive data volumes generated daily in production, enabling over 100 AI initiatives that are gradually implemented and scaled to new use cases.
In the production sector, AI is being used to support colleagues in quality management, particularly in optical inspections in the press shop and paint shop. This digital automation through AI is not primarily aimed at job cuts but rather at shaping the overall process in the interest of the Audi workforce.
The use of AI is also seen as a significant opportunity for the development of autonomous driving. Digitalization, electrification, and sustainability will be significantly driven and controlled by AI, making it the driver and guide of digital transformation at Audi.
Jörg Schlagbauer, Chairman of the Audi Works Council and Deputy Chairman of the Audi Supervisory Board, states that AI is being used in all possible areas at Audi, including product, production, processes, and personnel. The debate about the use of artificial intelligence at Audi is neither alarming nor complacent, but rather focused on shaping the process in the interest of the Audi workforce.
The issue of labor market changes, driven by AI, is not only a top issue in the public sector, but is currently on everyone's mind, from the baker to a global automotive company like Audi. Andrea Nahles, Chairwoman of the Federal Employment Agency, is the contact point, advisor, and supporter for employees and the economy. The Federal Employment Agency is the contact point, advisor, and supporter for both employees and the economy, industry, and trade during the transformation process.
In the coming years, there will be a profound change in the labor market, characterized by a shortage of skilled workers and the emergence of new fields of work, especially in industry and IT. Freed-up labor due to digital automation is meant to be deployed in new fields of work meaningfully.
AI technology used in Audi vehicles holds great potential for supporting assistance and safety systems. The use of AI at Audi is not just about embracing the future, but about ensuring that this future is shaped in a way that benefits its workforce and contributes to Audi's continued success as a co-determined, globally successful company where people and their shared work are at the centre.
