- CANCOM supports the Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences with a new AI infrastructure and customized IT solutions for the “AI4Life” project in agricultural research
- Powerful and flexible AI server solutions with NVIDIA graphics cards, configured and secured by the CANCOM IT Shelter
- Future-oriented education and research through access to AI resources for students and researchers as well as a planned AI MakerSpace
The Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences (HSWT) inaugurated and commissioned a new AI server at the Innovation Campus in Merkendorf on September 9. The AI infrastructure implemented by CANCOM was created as part of the “Artificial Intelligence for Life Sciences” (AI4Life) project. The project, which is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, aims to promote artificial intelligence (AI) in the life sciences.
Powerful and flexible AI solutions
As part of the project, CANCOM supplied two DELL PowerEdge XE 8640 server systems, equipped with a total of eight NVIDIA H100 graphics cards and four NVIDIA AI Enterprise licenses. The systems offer the high computing power, storage capacity and flexibility required for demanding, emerging AI workloads. A special feature of the solution is the scalability and security provided by the CANCOM IT Shelter, a modular protective cabinet system for information and telecommunications technology that protects against external influences such as burglary, fire and power failure. The IT Shelter meets the latest IT infrastructure standards and fulfills all requirements for access and intrusion protection, fire protection, monitoring and energy efficiency. The in-house production of the IT Shelter in Kempten by the experts at CANCOM physical infrastructure, a specialist for mobile data centers, enabled a particularly flexible and individual adaptation to the requirements of the university’s project.
“We are delighted to support the Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences in its efforts to advance AI solutions for agriculture. With our state-of-the-art IT infrastructure, we offer the basis for realizing complex AI projects efficiently and future-proof,” says Werner Wiesinger, Key Account Manager at CANCOM.
Promoting innovation and research
The university relies on the AI expertise and close cooperation with CANCOM to create the optimal conditions for AI-based research and teaching. By integrating modern AI technologies and a sustainable IT strategy, HSWT aims to increase its competitiveness in research. The AI solutions focus on the areas of sustainable land use and climate protection, whereby the results should directly benefit agricultural practice.
Project manager Prof. Dr. Patrick Noack, Head of the Competence Centre for Digital Agribusiness (KoDA), adds: “We are researching the use of AI to optimize agricultural processes and make them more sustainable. True to the motto “As little as possible and only as much as necessary”. For example, the precise use of fertilizers to save costs and protect biodiversity at the same time. Thanks to precise data collection and analysis, we can create optimal conditions for cultivation, which makes agricultural processes more efficient and sustainable.”
Artur Auernhammer, Chairman of Bundesverband Bioenergie, emphasized the importance of the new AI technologies: “The new infrastructure makes it possible to develop innovative solutions for sustainable land use. This strengthens research and the competitiveness of our agriculture.”
ZFW Managing Director Dr. Michael Krappmann from HSWT also emphasized the importance of the new AI infrastructure: “With the new AI server, we can not only significantly increase the quality of our teaching and research, but also open up new opportunities for applied research in the field of life sciences. This is a great benefit for our university and our partners.”
Future-oriented education and research
The AI4Life project focuses on the application of AI in agriculture and the development of more sustainable agricultural practices. At the heart of the infrastructure is the AI server specially configured and commissioned by CANCOM for AI, which allows students and researchers to independently carry out exercises and projects in the field of AI and to train and evaluate complex models.
A key component of the project is the planned AI MakerSpace, which offers young researchers and students easy access to AI resources. The flexible use of the AI servers via a web-based interface makes it possible to expand research skills and develop potential ideas for start-ups.
