Unlocking Autonomous Systems of the Future: Physical AI, Photonics and Enabling Technological Autonomy

Artificial Intelligence is increasingly moving beyond the data center and into the physical world. From autonomous robots, drones and vehicles to intelligent infrastructure, these systems must be able to make safe and efficient decisions in real time. To achieve this, AI needs to be executed directly on the device or at the edge, requiring powerful, compact and energy-efficient hardware solutions.

This interactive workshop provides an introduction to the concept of Physical AI, explores the technological requirements for deploying AI at the edge, and highlights the pivotal role of photonics in enabling smaller, faster and more energy-efficient AI hardware. Following a short keynote, participants will discuss opportunities, challenges and future requirements in the Defense & Aerospace and Industrial & Automotive sectors, and examine how Europe can leverage its strengths to advance technological sovereignty in these strategic domains.

As a platform for application-driven semiconductor research and innovation, the German Chips Competence Centre (G3C) brings together stakeholders from research, industry and technology development. The workshop will showcase how advanced chip technologies and photonic approaches can help unlock the next generation of intelligent and autonomous systems, strengthening Europe’s position in a rapidly evolving global technology landscape.