Styrian industries expand AI training to compete abroad

Styrian companies are increasingly using artificial intelligence to compete in international markets, and demand for related training is growing, ORF reports.

The Internationalisation Centre Styria, which works with the export sector, is offering practical examples of how AI can help businesses identify overseas markets and customers. Its marketing and AI department head, Iris Edler-Stiegler, said companies can use the technology to research markets and target groups, prepare information on potential customers and find new sales partners more quickly.

AI can also help businesses account for cultural differences between potential markets, Edler-Stiegler said, citing the contrast between selling a product or service in the United States, Nairobi or India.

The wood industry is also increasing its AI training, with seminars and workshops for forestry, carpentry, sawmilling and timber construction. Alexander Pinter, head of Holzcluster Styria, said AI can identify bark beetle damage in images before it is visible to the naked eye, while sensors can warn sawmills when machinery needs maintenance and monitor wood moisture.

AI can be an important tool when used properly, but it cannot replace people, the report said.