President of European Commision Ursula Von Der Leyen visits VUB

"Today I've seen the future"

The new President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen made a working visit to the AI Experience Center at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, on the occasion of the announcement of the Commission’s plans in relation to artificial intelligence. The visit underlines the leading role of the partnership between the VUB and ULB (AI for the Common Good) for artificial intelligence in the heart of Europe. Ursula von der Leyen was welcomed by rectors Caroline Pauwels (VUB) and Yvon Englert (ULB).

The VUB AI Experience Center is a high-tech test, demonstration and meeting environment where companies, tech entrepreneurs, researchers and policy makers can experiment with AI and collaborate to develop technological solutions.

The Center also forms part of the VUB and ULB’s joint plans to establish a Brussels-based European initiative on AI for the Common Good. The institute will focus on research, innovative applications, education and projects on the social impact of artificial intelligence in numerous fields such as health and welfare, mobility, climate and sustainability, and media.  In this regard, the institute aims to support and enable the realisation of the EU Digital Agenda.  

The president was introduced to several ongoing BruBotics research projects such as Spexor (development of a spinal exoskeleton), Cyberlegs++ (development of a lower limb bionic prosthesis), SHERO (self-healing soft robotics) and SOPHIA (improving ergonomy via collaborative robotics).

Very inspired by my visit to the AI Experience Center of @VUBrussel: #ArtificialIntelligence at the service of people.

Stay tuned for the @EU_Commission's new digital strategy. To be revealed NOW. #DigitalEU pic.twitter.com/uz9fXGpBIn

— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) February 19, 2020