From Research to Practical Application – Are we Ready for Safe AI in Real-World Use? 

On 16 September 2026, the Safe AI Engineering Midterm Event took place at IAA TRANSPORTATION in Hanover, bringing together researchers, engineers and industry experts to discuss, halfway through the project’s duration, one of the key challenges for future mobility: the integration of safe AI into real-world transportation systems. 

As AI increasingly becomes a key enabler of automated and connected mobility, ensuring the safety of AI-based systems and functions is more important than ever. Bringing together leaders from industry, research and policymaking, the event explored the principles, methodologies and ecosystems needed to enable safe and trustworthy AI at scale. Hosted by the Safe AI Engineering consortium, the programme combined strategic perspectives, technical insights and practical approaches to advancing Safe AI from research into real-world mobility applications. 

Participants enjoyed an engaging afternoon featuring expert presentations, panel discussions, research highlights, demonstrations and networking opportunities. The agenda included: 

• A welcome by Henry Kuhle (VDA) and Nils Kasselmann (TÜV Rheinland) together with the consortia leads Torsten Stiehm (DXC Luxoft) and Sven Hallerbach (DLR) 

• An impulse presentation on the central goals and claims of Safe AI by Frank Köster 

• The Big Picture discussion explored whether Safe AI was ready for real-world deployment, featuring perspectives from leading research initiatives and industry experts: nxtAIM Jörg Reichardt (Aumovio), CONTROL Sanwardhini Pantawane (Valeo), jbDATA Philip Schörner (FZI), Ecosystem Mobility 4.0 Ralph Lauxmann (Spoke) and AI4SDV Max Nestoriuc (AVL), moderated by Ulrich Wurstbauer (Capgemini Engineering) 

• Insights into the Safe AI Engineering Methodology, including the Safetyrope concept, methodology elements and hybrid safety approaches. 

• An industry panel on the essentials for successfully integrating AI into mobility applications and remaining competitive in the global AI landscape. Panelists: Azarm Nowzad (Aumovio), Houssem Abdellatif (AVL), Ralph Lauxmann (Spoke), Sindhu Atavane (DXC Luxoft) and Oliver Jäger (Daimler Truck), moderated by Frank Köster (DLR) 

In addition to the stage programme, visitors explored the poster and demo area throughout the day, gained insights into the latest research results and connected with experts. The event concluded with a networking session designed to encourage further exchange and collaboration. 

EICT was responsible for the project management of the Safe AI Engineering Midterm Event at IAA TRANSPORTATION 2026. In addition to designing the exhibition booth and coordinating the poster session and presentations, EICT supported the content preparation and management of the midterm results as well as the acquisition and the briefing of the speakers.  

The project team and the EICT team on site were delighted to welcome the participants and discuss together how safe AI can successfully make the transition from research to practical application.  

Picture: EICT