Inside IT 2025 – Podcast „Responsible AI bei ZEISS"
From Outer Space to Responsible Innovation: My Journey with AI at ZEISS
For many, the world of Artificial Intelligence began with the launch of ChatGPT. For me, the journey started much earlier: back in 2009, when I was researching how AI could make interplanetary space missions more efficient (checkout my TEDx talk about this topic!). Back then, hardware was a bottleneck and "Machine Learning" was a niche academic topic. Today, I have transitioned from the high-stakes precision of aerospace to a role that feels just as critical: Program Manager for Responsible AI at ZEISS.
At ZEISS, we are bridging the gap between cutting-edge research and industrial application. Whether it is semiconductor production, medical technology, or high-end optics, AI is becoming the engine of our innovation. But with great power comes a unique responsibility.
What is "Responsible AI"?
In my role, Responsible AI goes far beyond simple legal compliance or AI governance. It is about creating a culture of awareness. ZEISS’s Responsible AI Office includes experts from legal, data protection, and cybersecurity to ensure that every AI application we deploy aligns with our corporate values.
We believe AI should support humans, not replace them. This is anchored in our "GenAI Code of Ethics." We want to give our employees their "valuable time" back by automating administrative tasks, like customer service management or brand-voice alignment in marketing, so they can focus on what they do best: creating world-class products.
Navigating the Regulatory Landscape
One of the biggest challenges we face today is the EU AI Act. While I am a "big fan" of having regulatory guardrails to avoid a "Wild West" scenario, the lack of defined standards and the legal gray areas around "high-risk" systems (especially in medical technology) remain significant hurdles.
To stay ahead, we practice a "Shift Left" approach. This means involving the workers' council, data protection officers, and security experts at the very beginning of a project, rather than at the end. This ensures innovation isn't blocked, but rather guided by safety and ethics from day one.
A Call for Curiosity
The technological jump we have seen in the last few years is staggering. My advice to everyone, whether you are a leader or an employee, is simple: Start today. Don't wait for a formal training program. Be curious, experiment with prompts, and explore how these tools can change your daily work. We are living in exciting times, and the impact AI will have on medical research and industrial precision is just beginning.
Three Main Key Takeaways
Responsible AI is a Cultural Task, Not Just a Legal One: Beyond mere compliance with the EU AI Act, companies must focus on "AI Literacy." This involves training employees to understand the risks (like hallucinations) and ensuring AI is used ethically to support and augment human work rather than rationalize it away.
The "Shift Left" Strategy is Essential for Innovation: To avoid being slowed down by bureaucracy, stakeholders like the workers' council, IT security, and legal departments should be integrated into the AI development process from the very start. Proactive risk classification and transparency with technology partners (like Microsoft) are vital for maintaining pace.
Individual Initiative is the Driver of Adoption: Employees and leaders should not wait for "the perfect" corporate solution or training. Success in the AI era depends on personal curiosity and the willingness to experiment with technology in both private and professional contexts to understand its non-deterministic nature.
Listen to the episode:
Podcast-Host