Application potentials of artificial intelligence for the design of innovation processes

The rapid development of digital technologies leads to dramatic changes of our economies and societies - and these are quite far-reaching. Technological progress especially in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics, big data and business analytics, as well as augmented and virtual reality are providing a total digital connectivity and new possibilities for effective data analysis and handling. Enterprises expect higher productivity and opportunities for optimized performance by increasing use and integration of innovative technologies. Not only machines or intelligent algorithms are going to execute tasks, but new forms of human-machine interaction represent valuable enablers for positioning the central role of humans in design and development activities. In this paper, the authors present an overview of currently available technological solutions in the field of AI leading to new forms of human-machine interaction. Furthermore, functionalities of these technologies and development needs for generating ideas in early innovation processes are identified. The results of this first study build the basis for the next step aiming at mapping the analysed systems with current creativity techniques and methods for optimisation of the innovation process.