2nd xAILab Bamberg Workshop on AI

02/06/2026

Hands-on AI at the University of Bamberg: 38 school students immersed themselves in the world of machine learning. From theory to training their own models: a workshop organized by the Chair of Explainable Machine Learning combined science with practice and ethical discourse.

Hands-on AI – Students Dive into the World of Machine Learning

On February 6, 2026, the University of Bamberg opened its doors to the next generation of AI talent. Thirty-eight students and ten teachers from FOSBOS Nuremberg, FOSBOS Erlangen, and the Haßfurt Vocational School gathered to gain exclusive insights into the world of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Hosted by the Chair of Explainable Machine Learning, the workshop seamlessly combined academic theory with practical application. Participants first explored the mathematical and logical foundations of machine learning before moving on to a hands-on session. During this practical module, they trained their own models to recognize handwriting and clothing items, gaining a first-hand understanding of how modern algorithms function.

Opportunities, Risks, and Ethical Discourse

The event concluded with a keynote by the Head of the Chair, Prof. Dr. Ledig. He highlighted the current opportunities and risks associated with AI development, sparking a lively discussion among the attendees. Notably, the workshop was designed to be inclusive: even those without prior programming experience were able to pull back the curtain on the technology and gain a better understanding of the principles driving today's AI-integrated world.

Bridging the Gap Between Schools and Science

Following the official program, teachers and university staff met at the historic "Schlenkerla" to further their professional exchange. Over traditional Franconian cuisine, they discussed the future role of AI in the education sector and explored potential long-term collaborations between secondary schools and research institutions.