Publication date: 
2016/08/26
Angela Merkel, Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany and Bohuslav Sobotka, Czech Prime Minister were greeted by the Czech Technical University in Prague at its grounds on 25 August 2016. Alongside other distinguished guests, both have participated in a discussion on the Industry 4.0 national initiative.

The visit of prominent guests was a good occasion to sign an agreement on cooperation between the German Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI), represented by its Director, prof. Wolfgang Wahlster, and the Czech Institute of Informatics, Robotics and Cybernetics at CTU, represented by director prof. Vladimír Mařík.

"Research and Development plays a big role in the Industry 4.0. In many cases, czech companies are moving from the position of subcontractors to a higher level, the partners level. I think that's where we should direct our efforts in the Czech Republic - not just build assembly plants, but focus on the role of a system integrator while building larger units within the Industry 4.0. We´ve got what it takes. Our engineers are both educated and able to connect things together, think systemically, integrate, which will be crucial in the era of Industry 4.0, "said prof. Vladimír Mařík. He then added: "We are typical country that is not big, but has capable people who can combine solutions and build a new and unique quality on them. And I think that even the Czech universities have the potential to provide the Industry 4.0 with scientific and technological support. Cooperation with German experts from both universities and industry has always been  very important for us, in Industry 4.0, however, it is a key cooperation, literally of existential significance. "

This, according to his statement, stems from the fact that German experts work directly in the center, "at the source" of development ideas for Industry 4.0. On the other hand, it is gratifying that in many cases, ideas and benefits of Czech people are positively perceived and accepted by German experts as well as German industry. In this way, they can also contribute with something.

CTU rector, Professor Peter Konvalinka, commented on the visit: "The visit of Mrs. Chancellor is seen not only as a recognition of our existing cooperation, but also creates great environment for its further expansion. We appreciate Chancellor´s detailed interest in the issue of research, not only in Germany, but with a global perspective. Her visit and the expressed support of what we do and research here motivates us greatly."

You can watch the report from the event here.

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