INSIDE VIEW: VISIBLE ALL AROUND

—— Equipped with a camera, riding a Segway and carrying artificial intelligence in his luggage - that's how we meet the robot Mic.

Ein Segway auf dem eine 360 Grad Kamera befestigt ist steht in einer geöffneten Garage.

PHOTO TÜV SÜD/MYRZIK UND JARISCH

It takes less than a minute for Mic, the robot, to roll around the car. The artificial intelligence immediately starts working in the background, stabilizing the shots and placing the car in the middle of the image. Even before the photo shoot began, Mic had a few tips about how to ideally position the car. In less than a minute the robot automatically takes a 360-degree picture of the car’s exterior, allowing customers to get a first impression of the vehicle in advance.

First impressions count, even when looking for a used car. And the search often begins on the internet. Potential buyers these days want to get an impression of the car from home and view the vehicle from all sides.

**KLEINER ROBOTER, GROSSE HILFE** Mic heißt der Roboter von TÜV SÜD, der 360-Grad-Aufnahmen von Autos anfertigt. Er ist mit einer hochauflösenden Kamera ausgestattet und rollt auf einem Segway um das Auto herum.

That’s why TÜV SÜD is supporting dealers in showcasing their autos online and why the robot Mic (which stands for “move in circles”) was developed. Equipped with a camera, installed on a Segway and outfitted with artificial intelligence, Mic quickly generates high-resolution 360-degree images that dealers can make available to their customers.

The robot doesn’t need a special working environment and can be used anywhere. After the pictures have been shot, PhotoFairy 360°, a TÜV SÜD service, can be used to crop the images and present the car against a neutral background or one tailored to the client. The inside of the vehicle can also be brought to life for customers on PhotoFairy 360° with an all-around photograph of the interior.

After the photos have been taken and the car has been driven off, the next vehicle is ready for its close-up. Mic provides a few suggestions about positioning the car. Then it starts rolling again.

CYBER ATTACKS ON MUNICIPALITIES

—— Digital attacks are increasingly targeting city halls, municipal enterprises and hospitals—facilities that often have very limited resources for cybersecurity. TÜV SÜD specialist Sudhir Ethiraj explains how municipalities can defend themselves and what role AI can play in this field in the future.

“AI ACT”: WHAT DOES THE EU’S ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ACT MEAN FOR COMPANIES AND USERS?

—— Artificial intelligence (AI) has enormous potential to change society. Whether or not we perceive these changes as positive will strongly depend on how we regulate AI and its development. The EU has agreed on the world’s first comprehensive, governmental regulatory framework for AI. This will set the standards for the future.

CAN WE TRUST CHATBOTS?

—— Chatbots are taking over more and more aspects of our digital lives. Thanks to AI technology, they offer quick and affordable approaches to customer service and online advice. But what if a chatbot starts spreading misinformation?

NEW CYBERSECURITY LAW FOR PRESSURE EQUIPMENT

—— In spring 2021, it was widely reported in the media that there had been an attempted cyberattack against a water treatment plant in Oldsmar, Florida. Apparently, malicious hackers had remotely taken over its systems and tried to poison the water. Evidence of any actual system breach could not be found—but many vulnerabilities in the plant’s systems were discovered.