AI-Driven Manufacturing: Engaging Citizens in Its Success

In the heart of Aschaffenburg, the Participation Festival took place on July 5th during the Aschaffenburg Museum Night, marking a significant step towards the city's vision of "Dialog City". This event, held at the Digital Shop, was supported by innovative technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, and was a testament to the importance of taking citizen ideas seriously in urban development.

Mayor Eric Leiderer, who also serves as the city's Digital Officer, reiterated the commitment to creating an open, dialogue-oriented city through the festival's outcomes and the continued work of the dima. The dima, a product of the "Kommunal? Digital!" funding program by the Bavarian State Ministry of Digital Affairs, developed in collaboration with TH Aschaffenburg, played a pivotal role in fostering dialogue-driven development for Aschaffenburg.

The festival's winners, Stefanie Sachs and Ulla Kunkel-Kolb, were honoured for their innovative ideas. Sachs proposed the installation of a marble run in the Schoenthal, while Kunkel-Kolb suggested providing drinking water fountains at the main station. Other awarded contributions include the installation of additional drinking water fountains, the development of mobile wheelchair ramps, a selfie spot, the greening of tree pits, and other creative and practical ideas.

The jury decided not to choose a single winning idea but to recognize multiple proposals in different categories as particularly worthy. This approach reflects the diverse feedback from participants during the festival, which included a mix of ideas and critical comments, both of which are valued.

Mayor Leiderer expressed his delight with the positive reception of civic participation with AI. He stated that the festival demonstrated what Dialog City means: an open, dialogue-oriented city that takes citizen ideas seriously, provides space for creativity, and uses new technologies intelligently. The Digital Manufacture (dima) will continue to serve as a platform for co-creation beyond the festival.

The Participation Festival has shown that new technologies like Artificial Intelligence can be used intelligently to facilitate dialogue and urban development. It is a clear demonstration of the creative energy of the city and a reaffirmation of Aschaffenburg's commitment to creating a city where citizens can contribute their ideas for urban development. The festival's outcomes and the continued work of the dima will undoubtedly contribute to making "Dialog City" a tangible reality for the people of Aschaffenburg.