Artificial Intelligence Made In Germany
RTL Deutschland and Fraunhofer IAIS to collaborate on development of AI language models.
RTL Deutschland and the renowned Fraunhofer Institute for Intelligent Analysis and Information Systems IAIS will be working together on the development of an RTL-specific AI language model. Fraunhofer IAIS will contribute its expertise in AI and machine learning to the project.
The collaboration is to result in pioneering AI solutions specifically tailored to the requirements of the Bertelsmann media group. A central focus is on the development and implementation of intelligent multimodal systems to create innovative applications for the media sector. At the same time, customized data processes and training methods for AI models are being developed in secure, data protection-compliant environments in order to design and play out content in a more efficient and targeted manner. RTL employees will work closely with the Fraunhofer experts to jointly develop new technological solutions, for a sustainable transfer of knowledge that will strengthen RTL long-term.
“RTL Deutschland is systematically pursuing digitization and generative AI as a strategic priority,” says RTL Deutschland CEO Stephan Schmitter. “We are concentrating on five beacon projects with high potential: our Newsroom of the Future, video production, RTL+ subscriptions, procurement, and marketing. In doing so, we are taking a pioneering role in the German TV and streaming market and driving forward AI-supported production processes in order to increase efficiency and creativity. We are also working with forward-thinking production partners to integrate AI into production processes with a view to speeding them up and making them more efficient so that we can continue to guarantee the high level of investment in content. Our partnership with Fraunhofer IAIS underscores our commitment to these innovations. With the insights gained from training large-scale language models and a focus on customization, we will create bespoke AI-based solutions for our media and production processes. Our collaboration will set an example for digital excellence in Europe.”
Prof. Dr. Stefan Wrobel, Director of Fraunhofer IAIS, adds: “The collaboration with RTL Deutschland is an important step towards unlocking the possibilities of Generative AI in the media industry. We look forward to supporting RTL in the development and adaptation of data-sovereign language models. The possible applications in the media sector are manifold: For example, AI language models play an important role in the production and interaction of media content and the detection of disinformation. Together, we will set new standards for innovative and responsible AI applications in Europe.”
The joint project comprises central work packages ranging from data preparation to the provision of AI models. RTL believes that the project will enable it to specifically develop and operate AI models beyond a given application. In particular, the scientific findings and results from research projects on training large AI language models will be incorporated into the collaboration: for example, the “OpenGPT-X” research project has set standards for the development of multilingual and open-source AI language models throughout Europe with the publication of the “Teuken-7B” AI language model. The model, published under an open source license, allows secure use on company-owned servers, thus ensuring the protection of sensitive company data. As a European development, it also offers the highest standards in data protection and data control/monitoring.
According to RTL Deutschland, the collaboration between RTL and Fraunhofer IAIS not only offers technological advantages, but also promotes the sustainable and efficient use of AI through energy-efficient training, as already demonstrated in the development of “Teuken-7B.” With this initiative, RTL is sending a clear signal for the future: combining media expertise and technological innovation to develop and produce attractive content for millions of viewers and users.
As part of a globally leading organization for application-oriented research, the Fraunhofer Institute for Intelligent Analysis and Information Systems, based in Sankt Augustin/Bonn and with a satellite in Dresden, is one of Germany’s and Europe’s leading scientific institutes in the fields of artificial intelligence, machine learning and big data. Its 380 employees support companies in optimizing products, services, and processes, and in developing new digital business models.
