Post by WTE Wassertechnik GmbH

The second day of IFAT at our booth was all about AI and innovation. To highlight this subject and explore it from various angles, we once again invited leading experts 🤝 The kick-off was a panel discussion on the topic of “AI in civil engineering and construction”, moderated by Prof. Dr Niels Bartels from Cologne University of Applied Sciences. The experts Prof. Dr Cornelius Preidel (Munich University of Applied Sciences), Christian Richert (kevee) and Dr. Marco Xaver Bornschlegl (STRABAG Innovation and Digitalisation) brought a wealth of specialist knowledge from the fields of AI, construction and civil engineering to the panel. The discussion covered not only the numerous opportunities but also the challenges that AI presents for its users. The bottom line: we must learn to communicate effectively with the technology and interpret the results correctly 💡 The second panel discussion focused on the key topic of digital operational management – more precisely, the digital operational management of wastewater treatment plants. Tom Siegel from WTE Betriebsgesellschaft welcomed Lina Rocher (Berliner Wasserbetriebe) and Dr Maren van der Meer (Emschergenossenschaft / Lippeverband) as speakers. It was very interesting to hear a practical perspective about their experiences within their organisations. Both still see a number of challenges that need to be overcome – ranging from poor internet connections in rural areas or underground facilities, to the task of inspiring and training their own staff to use the new technology. Above all, there is great potential in digital solutions and AI in terms of cost-effectiveness and plant optimisation – whether in control, monitoring, analysis or maintenance. Today, we have another fascinating topic in store: we’ll be discussing new forms of collaboration and contract drafting in the construction industry. Do drop by! ⏰ 1.30 pm: Kooperation am Bau – Mehrparteienverträge #wte #strabag #StrongTogether #ShapingTheFuture #ifat2026