The first keynote was given by Prof. Detlef Zühlke, titled "20 Years Smartfactory – From Smart Devices to Smart Ecosystems". He looked back on two decades since the first smart factory was founded in Kaiserslautern, the work that later gave rise to the term Industry 4.0. He then looked ahead to data ecosystems and the challenges they face today. In the second keynote, "Alternative Intelligence, Alternative Creativity", Prof. Jordí Linares compared biological and artificial neural networks. He examined how creativity emerges in each, and argued that AI literacy is becoming essential for society.

After lunch, the paper sessions began, covering:

• Intelligent Systems and Data and Knowledge Bases
• Learning Analytics, AI and Technologies in Education
• Computer Games

Students presented posters and papers in person and online, and there was an invited lecture by Hanlie Smuts, "Who Owns You Online". The afternoon also included sponsored sessions: Oracle presented "Bring AI to Your Data", and HBOR spoke about how development banks can speed up AI, digital transformation and innovation.

The programme then turned more relaxed. Over cheese and wine, the Cracker Barrel Session asked a timely question: "Is a University Degree Required, or is AI Sufficient?" It was followed by a Pub Quiz, and the day ended with a welcome cocktail at Restaurant Park.

Take a look at more photos from the first conference day in the gallery below.