Artificial intelligence (AI) is an umbrella term for systems or machines that mimic human intelligence to perform tasks. During that process, the systems learn how to perform tasks most efficiently and improve themselves based on the information gathered.

When we think of artificial intelligence, we often think of a genius, human-like robot taking over the world. Unjustifiably, because the purpose of AI systems is precisely to support us and increase our performance. This is precisely why AI has become increasingly valuable to companies in recent years.

Practical applications

Artificial intelligence is already part of everyday life in various fields. Due to the lightning-fast development of AI, new applications are constantly emerging. Some examples include:

• Customer service: AI-powered chatbots help customers find the answers to their questions in a quick and targeted way. In complex situations, the chatbot redirects customers to customer service.
• Filtering systems: Smart AI assistants help you extract information from large data sets. You briefly describe the info you need and the AI assistant finds the right formula and matching info.
• Content creation: The latest developments are in the creative field. Whereas AI used to be very data-driven, systems are now capable of creating content independently. AI machines have evolved to the point where they can write complete texts based on the vast amounts of information on the internet and a prompt. They look up different word pairs and characters often used together and pour them into a text.
• Smart production: AI-driven cameras, software and sensors help monitor production. They estimate whether any deviations are within standards. If the system detects errors, employees review the situation and make adjustments where necessary.

Artificial Intelligence will drastically change the way we work. By using AI, we will be able to make faster, better and more accurate decisions than ever before. Keeping pace with rapidly advancing technology requires ongoing self-investment, enabling you to understand its changes thoroughly and use it wisely and effectively. Therefore, every year we organise several courses with a focus on AI. At PUC - KU Leuven Continue, you can take several courses to broaden your understanding of artificial intelligence and its use. 

Our technical training offer

• Postgraduate Certificate Artificial Intelligence in Business & Industry

This postgraduate degree on Artificial Intelligence in Business and Industry is designed to allow engineers, computer scientists or other professionals to specialise in Artificial Intelligence. In one year, participants acquire a solid academic foundation in AI, as well as an understanding of the fields of image and speech recognition and broader business aspects of AI.

Find out how Barry Callebaut implements a former participant's acquired knowledge!

• Master Artificial Intelligence in Business & Industry

This master's programme aims to give engineers and technically trained professionals the necessary skills to develop innovative applications with AI. The programme consists of four pillars: AI Foundations, AI & Industry, AI & Business and AI & Society. The master is aimed at engineers and other masters with a background in physics and mathematics, but recent graduates are also welcome.

• Masterclass Machine Vision

The manufacturing industry faces increasing challenges in quality management, driven by stricter standards and more complex products. Traditional methods fall short. In this two-day master class, discover how automation with machine vision can increase the accuracy and speed of quality control.

• Data Visualization

Get acquainted with state-of-the-art tools and techniques for data visualization! Learn the fundamentals and get hands-on experience with data visualization, including making useful visualizations and dashboards of data, helping yourself and others to understand and analyse that data end using state-of-the-art tools and techniques. The intended audience consists of professionals, engineers, and researchers who want to learn the fundamentals and get hands-on experience.

Read the article: Seeing is believing: data visualization is key for successful AI implementation

• Human-Centered AI

In just a couple of decades, computers have evolved from single machines being used by skilled operators in a work context to highly networked devices using artificial intelligence that promise to make our lives easier. However, if we lose sight of the humans using them when designing and developing AI-based applications, we also risk losing our humanity in the process.

In this introductory webinar, David Geerts will explain how artificial intelligence in its broadest sense is impacting several key principles of good user experiences, and why we should actively design human-centered AI if we want to benefit the people using it - and therefore also the developers and companies creating and selling AI-based products.

• From raw data to business value | Developing AI Proof of Concepts

The journey from an innovative idea to a successful product is paved with challenges, with many ideas faltering before they gain traction. This seminar delves into the pivotal role of proof-of-concepts (POCs) in bridging the gap between conception and realization. Participants will learn strategic approaches to crafting impactful POCs and demos, ensuring their ideas are effectively communicated to key stakeholders. Emphasizing the importance of timing, audience, and effort, the seminar equips learners with the needed skills to navigate the complex product development landscape. From conceptualization to execution, participants will gain insights into constructing robust POCs that propel ideas towards success.

• Summer School Embedded AI for Industry

During this exclusive summer school, we look in detail at how machine and deep learning can be applied at device level. Which components and frameworks exactly are needed for edge processing? Both hardware and software will be discussed, as well as techniques to optimise network architectures. Under the guidance of experts, there is of course also room to experiment and make the bridge to your own business case.

Field specific trainings

• AI en vastgoed

The real estate industry revolves around human interactions. And yet artificial intelligence can give this sector a huge boost. Are you curious about what is already possible with AI right now? Do you want an idea of what is in store for the sector in terms of technological innovation? Do you want to have a say in one of the most disruptive technologies of the century? Then this is the crash course for you.

You can still register for the next session on 8 November 2024. Not a good fit for your calendar? On 28 March 2025 we are organising another AI & vastgoed. You can already register to be the first to know when the registrations officially open.

• Navigating the EU AI Act

The EU AI Act introduces new legal obligations for those developing and deploying AI systems. This training provides a foundational understanding of the Act’s scope and compliance requirements, preparing participants to navigate AI regulation in various sectors.

• Strategisch innoveren met GenAI: van inspiratie naar transformatie

For SMEs too, GenAI offers many opportunities to optimise processes, better understand customers and drive innovation. Whether automating repetitive tasks, predicting customer behaviour or developing new products, generative AI is a technology that can transform any sector.

But how can your business benefit from GenAI? How can you implement this complex technology strategically and efficiently? That is what the ‘Strategic Innovation with GenAI’ programme answers.

• Spring Fest: GenAI for Business by the Postgraduate Studies in Big Data and Analytics

At this Spring Fest, we invite you to join us for an insightful afternoon program. Our distinguished keynotes will provide a broader perspective on the application of GenAI in the world of business. They'll delve into the innovative possibilities and emerging trends that GenAI offers, equipping you with valuable insights to navigate this transformative landscape.

Following the keynotes, we'll transition into a captivating networking event, where you'll have the opportunity to reunite with former participants, forge new connections, and exchange knowledge and experiences with professionals from a diverse range of companies and organizations. This event is a unique opportunity to engage, learn, and grow within the realm of Big Data and Analytics.

• AI@work: designing the jobs of the future

Explore developments in (generative) AI and the potential impact on occupations and sectors. Delve into recent scientific studies and go home with practical guidelines for redesigning jobs in the AI era.

Temporarily out of the offer

• Workshop Prompt Writing

The better your instructions, the better ChatGPT's responses. Step out of your comfort zone and discover the power of working with ChatGPT during this 3-hour workshop on prompt design! Whether you are curious but still hesitant to get started or have already experimented with large language models but didn't get the desired results, this workshop is specially designed to guide you. Learn valuable insights, practical techniques and proven strategies to create effective prompts and optimise your interaction with ChatGPT.

• A No-Code Approach to Decision Support and Knowledge Capturing

In this workshop, you will get to know the state-of-the-art IDP knowledge-base system, that has been developed at KU Leuven and is currently used by companies in various sectors. 

No prior knowledge is required, but the workshop is mainly intended for technical profiles in IT or (business) engineering. Other profiles that might benefit from the training are people working in R&D, or business profiles in charge of streamlining business processes. It is relevant for companies interested in decision, design or process automation/support. Existing applications can be found in the financial, legal and manufacturing sectors.

• ChatGPT, help! Studiedag voor leerkrachten en taalprofessionals

We unravel recent developments in the world of major language models so that you can embrace the future of language teaching and professional writing with confidence. There is a focus on the many possibilities, but also the limitations, on both the power of the models and the dangers. Gain confidence in integrating these models into your daily practice and discover exciting opportunities to improve your students' language skills and optimise your own creative process.