At the UDE Summer Festival on June 26, 2025, the SOFTEC Chair was represented on the Duisburg campus at the Faculty of Computer Science booth. The team took the opportunity to present current research projects, answer questions about studying business informatics, and engage in conversation with numerous visitors.

Our booth attracted a diverse audience: students, research assistants from other departments, and many high school students who were looking for the right degree program. WDR Lokalzeit also paid us a visit: we were able to provide a practical insight into the content and opportunities offered by information system research at the University of Duisburg-Essen. The WDR Lokalzeit Duisburg television report can be found online (from minute 17:30).

The focus was on our robot dog Ben, who impressively demonstrated how we conduct research at the SOFTEC Chair at the interface of technology, humans, and society. Using the robot, we presented our current project on embodied generative AI (embodied GenAI) – i.e., the integration of generative AI into physical systems such as robots, drones, or vehicles. The goal is to develop intelligent, autonomous, and interactive agents that are not only powerful but also empathetic, context-sensitive, and interact with humans in an everyday manner. The aim is to contribute to improving the quality of life of individuals and communities.

We are particularly pleased about the great cooperation within the Faculty of Computer Science. Visitors to our joint booth were able to win small prizes on the wheel of fortune and learn about the content of our courses and everyday student life in information systems research from our computer science student council. Information materials on studying, career paths, and research rounded out the offerings.

We would like to thank everyone who stopped by, asked questions, and participated. We look forward to seeing you again next time!

Further information about the UDE Summer Festival can be found at:
https://www.uni-due.de/de/ude_sommerfest/