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Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to our FAQ section! Here you’ll find clear and practical answers to the most frequently asked questions
about the AI-MATTERS test and pilot plant (TEF) for manufacturing, as well as the services we offer.

Whether you’d like to learn how AI-MATTERS promotes innovation, find out about the resources and services available,
, or learn how to gain access to our facilities—this section will guide you through the most important information.

About us

Who is AI-MATTERS intended for?

Technology companies that want to test their AI solutions in a real-world manufacturing environment and further develop or improve their solutions based on feedback.

Manufacturing companies should experiment with solutions based on AI technology and assess the suitability and potential impact of these technologies before making specific investments and implementing them.

Our focus is on startups, scale-ups, and SMEs, but large companies may also be included.

AI-MATTERS is the European testing and demonstration facility for validating new AI technologies in a manufacturing context.

Test your latest technology solution in the fields of AI and robotics using our facilities and real-world manufacturing data, or learn how a new technology could be used to solve your challenges—perhaps with financial support.

AI-MATTERS provides access to:

  • Real production environments and data
  • State-of-the-art infrastructure and expertise
  • Validation of the Proof of Concept
  • Financial Support Measures for Experimental Projects

No; AI-MATTERS supports both:

  • Companies that already have an AI solution and would like to validate it
  • Companies that want to explore how AI could solve a specific challenge

You can start with a problem, a use case, or an idea.

We offer testing and experimental facilities, as well as the corresponding infrastructure ,to validate and demonstrate new technologies under real-world production conditions.

  • Access to state-of-the-art facilities
  • Collaboration with AI experts across Europe
  • Lower costs and less risk during testing
  • Faster Innovation and Implementation

AI-MATTERS helps companies test, validate, and implement AI solutions with greater confidence and efficiency.

The process generally includes the following:

  1. Describe your challenge or use case
  2. Evaluate Available Data and Systems
  3. Set up a test or experiment
  4. Perform validation in a live environment
  5. Get Results and Recommendations

This structured approach helps companies navigate the path from idea to validated solution.

We would be more than happy to help you figure this out. Whether you contact us through our website, at an event, or in person, we’ll help you find the right AI technology for your use case and identify the partner with the appropriate expertise.

Our services

What services does AI-MATTERS offer?

AI-MATTERS offers testing and experimentation services that help companies validate, improve, and deploy AI and robotics solutions in real-world manufacturing environments.

These services include:

  • Infrastructure (Laboratories and Facilities)
  • Expertise (AI and manufacturing specialists)
  • Data and Use Cases
  • Experimenting Together

The goal is to help companies move from an idea or prototype to validated, practical solutions.

You can find all of our services in our service catalog.

With AI-MATTERS, companies can experiment with AI solutions in a controlled yet realistic production environment.

This means you can do the following:

  • Test use cases with real data
  • Assess the impact on efficiency, quality, or downtime
  • Make informed decisions before committing to implementation
In addition, depending on your eligibility, we can discuss possible financial assistance.

AI-MATTERS enables validation through structured experiments under real production conditions.

These include:

  • Performance Testing Under Real-World Conditions
  • Assessment of Integration into Existing Systems
  • Assessment of Scalability, Robustness, and Compliance

This helps bridge the gap between the prototype and the final product, which is a common challenge in manufacturing.

If you have an AI solution that you would like to validate in a production environment before scaling it up, please contact us to schedule a no-obligation consultation.

AI-MATTERS’ services are designed to integrate with your existing systems, data, and processes, and are supported by expert consulting.

You can start as follows:

  • A specific problem or use case
  • Existing production data
  • Limited in-house expertise in the field of AI

The goal is to make AI accessible, not complex. However, this depends on the context (use case).

That’s why the best way to answer this question is over a casual cup of coffee with one of our partners.

Technology providers can use AI-MATTERS to:

  • Test solutions using real production data
  • Work with end users to evaluate performance
  • Improve maturity (e.g., TRL progress)
  • Create proof-of-concept results

This helps to demonstrate the added value to customers and accelerate market acceptance.

The duration of the services depends on the specific service; it can range from a few hours to a few months.

You can view our services in the service catalog on our website, but you cannot book them there.

Given the complexity of the technologies and use cases, we believe that every inquiry, every technology, and every use case deserves thorough consideration. Therefore, if you are interested in any of our services or would like to learn more about the possibilities, please do not hesitate to contact us via our contact page.

Investments and Contracts

What investments are required for an AI-MATTERS service?

Given the wide range of services, providers (partners), and contract terms, there is no clear-cut answer. In addition, depending on the service, cost, contract term, and eligibility, companies may receive financial support in the form of discounts.

If your company is interested in one of our services or would like to discuss your needs regarding AI, we would be happy to schedule a no-obligation consultation via our contact page.

With AI-MATTERS, companies can experiment with AI solutions in a controlled yet realistic production environment.

This means you can do the following:

  • Test use cases with real data
  • Assess the impact on efficiency, quality, or downtime
  • Make informed decisions before committing to implementation
In addition, depending on your eligibility, we can discuss possible financial assistance.

Depending on the service, its cost, duration, and the company’s eligibility, companies may receive financial support in the form of discounts. Depending on eligibility, financial support may be available to European small and medium-sized enterprises, including startups.

If your company is interested in one of our services or would like to discuss your needs regarding AI, we would be happy to schedule a no-obligation consultation via our contact page.

The success rate of services depends on how we define success when we set up a service. AI-MATTERS offers testing and pilot services that help companies validate, improve, and deploy AI and robotics solutions in real-world manufacturing environments.

Companies regularly turn to us to determine whether a specific AI technology will work and be scalable in their environment, or whether an AI technology can be validated in a production environment. A successful outcome can involve either a follow-up investment in the AI technology to implement and scale it, or the realization that it cannot be validated and the decision to forgo further investment.

When we talk about a service, we also discuss how the success of that service is defined.

We are proud to announce that all of our customers have achieved successful results so far and are very satisfied with the outcome.

Data, Security, Intellectual Property, and Results

What results can I expect?

Depending on your specific use case, AI-MATTERS can offer you the following:

  • Proof-of-Concept Reports
  • Measurable improvements (efficiency, quality, downtime)
  • Feedback from real users
  • Recommendations for Scaling and Implementation

The goal is to reduce risks and uncertainties before making an investment.

Companies participating in AI-MATTERS retain ownership and control of their data. Ownership of the data means that you decide how your data is accessed, used, and shared, ensuring that it remains under your control throughout the entire trial.

AI-MATTERS operates within the framework of structured data governance frameworks, thereby ensuring transparency, proper data handling, and clear agreements regarding data use.

AI-MATTERS adheres to strict guidelines on data management and data security, including:

  • Secure Handling and Storage of Data
  • Controlled Access to Data Records
  • Compliance with European data protection standards
  • Clear guidelines on the reuse and sharing of data

The experiments are conducted under controlled conditions, which ensures that sensitive industrial data is protected while also enabling meaningful testing.

AI-MATTERS ensures that intellectual property rights are clearly defined and protected throughout the entire collaboration.

  • Companies retain ownership of their technologies, models, and data
  • The agreed-upon terms apply to all results developed collaboratively.
  • Intellectual property protection is integrated into the framework for cooperation

The specific details regarding the handling of intellectual property in connection with an AI-MATTERS service are set forth in the agreement governing that service.

Yes, AI-MATTERS offers controlled testing environments that simulate real-world production conditions without disrupting your operations.

This gives you the following options:

  • Test the system under safe conditions before putting it into operation
  • Identifying Risks Early
  • Test performance under realistic conditions

Locations and Travel

Where are AI-MATTERS' locations?

AI-MATTERS operates a network of testing and experimental facilities in eight European countries, including France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Denmark, the Czech Republic, and Greece.

These facilities (also known as “hubs”) provide access to real-world production environments where companies can test and validate AI solutions.

Generally not; many services can be provided partially remotely, particularly for data analysis or during early testing phases. However, for testing in real production environments or when using specific infrastructure, on-site collaboration at one of the European facilities may be required.

Since AI-MATTERS has a presence in several European countries, there is often a facility relatively close to your region or within easy reach. In addition, the network connects numerous partners, allowing companies to benefit from collective expertise across various locations—not just that of a single location.

Yes. AI-MATTERS is a decentralized European network, and companies are matched with the most suitable organization based on their use case, technology, and industry.

You don’t have to choose a location yourself: The consortium will help you identify the most suitable location and the appropriate expertise for your project. These facilities (also referred to as “locations”) provide access to real-world production environments where companies can test and validate AI solutions.

Governance

How is AI-MATTERS structured?

AI-MATTERS is a network of seven hubs and one satellite—spanning a total of eight countries—whose goal is to enhance the resilience and flexibility of the European manufacturing sector by leveraging the latest advancements in AI, robotics, and intelligent, autonomous systems for flexible production.

AI-MATTERS is one of the four sectoral TEFs launched as part of the “Digital Europe” program. All consortium members contribute their expertise in manufacturing for various industries, such as the automotive, aerospace, and mobility sectors, the textile industry, recycling, and others.

The governance structure of AI-MATTERS comprises the following bodies:

  • The General Assembly (GA; referred to as the “Program Steering Committee” in the consortium agreement)
  • The Board of Directors
  • The National Co-financing Committee (NCFC)
  • The Advisory Board (AB)
  • The Ethics Review and Compliance Committee (ESCC) and the Evaluation and Quality Assurance Committee (EQAC)
  • Committees that deal with specific work packages

Would you like to discuss your use case with our project managers?

You can get further assistance by contacting us directly.

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