Artificial intelligence: Students discover opportunities and risks at physics summer!

Artificial intelligence: Students discover opportunities and risks at physics summer!

On September 16, 2025, it became clear how the topic of artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly important in education and research. As part of a physics summer at the Technical University of Ilmenau under the direction of Prof. Jörg Kröger, who is in charge of the Experimental Physics I and Surface Physics department, students acquired in-depth knowledge of AI. They learned that AI is essentially programming technology and that machine learning is primarily based on statistics and probability calculations. These deeper insights allowed young people to ask critical questions and challenge the AI's information, making for an interactive and reflective learning process.

The physics summer not only promoted understanding of physics concepts, but also offered joint activities such as dinner and visits to a summer toboggan run, which intensified the exchange among the young participants. They were supported by physics students, including Tomke Bronsema, who shared their experiences and passed on their enthusiasm for the subject. Her views on studying in Ilmenau inspired many students and gave insights into current research fields in physics. These commitments show how important interactive educational formats are at a time when technological developments are advancing rapidly.

Artificial intelligence and legal challenges

Technical development in the field of artificial intelligence is progressing continuously. New and more powerful systems are revolutionizing the type of technology that is integrated into everyday life. However, these advances also bring with them legal issues that pose challenges for both jurisprudence and legislation. A central issue here is liability for errors committed by autonomous machines. The uncertainty about whether the manufacturer, the programmer or the operator is responsible raises complex questions.

One example is robots that learn autonomously. If such a robot collects incorrect data, the question arises as to who is responsible. In this context, robot law is increasingly being discussed in order to create clearer frameworks and responsibilities that meet the legal challenges of AI.

Global ethical standards by UNESCO

UNESCO has developed a recommendation on the ethical use of artificial intelligence, which represents an important step towards ensuring human rights and fundamental freedoms. This comprehensive process lasted two years and included intergovernmental negotiations and the involvement of expert groups. The recommendation offers a global frame of reference regardless of government or economic power and considers essential values ​​such as privacy, transparency and non-discrimination.

A central goal of this recommendation is to design the digital transformation to promote human rights and to support the UN's sustainable development goals. In this context, concrete political fields of action are defined, ranging from the environment, education and health to the promotion of diversity in the technology industry. A particularly important aspect is the so-called Ethical Impact Assessment for AI systems, which is intended to help assess both benefits and potential risks. In addition, a precautionary principle is emphasized, which is intended to prevent the use of risky AI systems.

In Germany, the German UNESCO Commission is committed to the implementation of these ethical guidelines and advises ministries and organizations. Specialist events and scientific reports are held in order to develop effective approaches that integrate and further develop the technology industry.