The first edition of the Artificial Intelligence, Data and Robotics Forum (#ADRF23) was held on 08-09 November in Versailles, France. The event which was co-organised by Adra, the European Commission and the Adra-e project, gathered an international audience of 200 people over two days, orchestrating an insightful exchange among leading experts, innovators, policymakers, and enthusiasts from the AI, Data, and Robotics community.
The event was opened by Adra Presidente Emanuela Girardi, who called out for a coordinated, strong EU-wide strategy emphasizing the importance of overcoming silos in the ADR ecosystem.
A nice video of Roberto Viola Director General at DG CONNECT, highlighted the revolutionary potential of Generative AI and stressed the need for a regulatory framework like the AI Act to align with European values. Viola stressed also the urgency in developing a formula for European Generative AI success, considering factors like data, computing power, talent, and funding, with Europe's strategic autonomy at stake.
Throughout the two days the need for a more positive narrative around Generative AI emerged as a recurring theme, emphasizing the importance of building trust and countering biases.
Insights from the community, as showcased in the Adra Strategic Research, Innovation, and Deployment Agenda (SRIDA) implementation plan, were recognized as crucial for shaping the EU's strategic plan for 2025-27 in AI, Data, and Robotics. Discussions spotlighted the challenge of translating AI research into market success, urging the need for sustainable AI ecosystems to accelerate market access and growth.
Engaging workshops explored challenges and possibilities in various domains, from trustworthy AI and manufacturing to inspection and maintenance, showcasing the depth and breadth of ADR applications.
As a conclusion takeaway, a visionary proposal for a Moonshot emerged, tackling challenges, risks, and threats of AI, Data, and Robotics technologies with flexibility, rapid adaptability, and a long-term vision. The call to action is clear: collaboration, innovation, and a positive narrative will pave the way for a future where European ADR technologies lead the global stage.