Abstract

Massive improvements in deep learning methods have led to several new industrial artificial intelligence (AI) applications that made AI relevant for every company that aims to keep competitive. Thus, AI is no longer a matter for the global Tech Companies only, but also concerns any small and medium-sized enterprise (SME). This paper examines the degree of dispersion of AI in SMEs in north-western Germany and reveals barriers and concerns when it comes to the deployment of industrial AI applications. Therefore, selected SMEs were surveyed in a standardised online survey. Currently, AI is rarely used by SMEs in north-western Germany. Few SMEs are concerned with developing their own applications, because this process is very expensive, lengthy and often comes with a high risk of failure. Rather, SMEs increasingly rely on AI-as-a-service and prefer to use cloud-based solutions. There are various reasons that make companies hesitate. Perceived barriers depend on the current implementation status of SMEs, also indicating data-related misconceptions and a lack of know-how.