AI-Powered Digital Manufacturing Transforms Citizen Engagement

In the heart of a bustling city, the Participation Festival came to a close, marking the end of the funding project for the Digital Manufacture (dima). This event, a part of the initiative to create "Dialog City", aimed to make the vision of an open, dialogue-oriented city tangible, where citizens can contribute ideas for urban development with AI support.

Mayor Eric Leiderer and Digital Officer were among those seen in a picture with the festival's prize winners, Stefanie Sachs and Ulla Kunkel-Kolb. The jury, impressed by the creative and practical ideas presented, did not choose a single winning idea but recognised multiple proposals in different categories as particularly worthy.

Stefanie Sachs's winning idea was the installation of a marble run in the Schoental, while Ulla Kunkel-Kolb's idea was the installation of drinking water fountains at the main station. Other awarded contributions included the development of mobile wheelchair ramps, a selfie spot, the greening of tree pits, and the installation of additional drinking water fountains.

The diversity of feedback during the festival was evident, encompassing both ideas and critical remarks. However, the positive reception of citizen participation with AI was evident, with Mayor Leiderer expressing his excitement about the opportunities it presents.

The Digital Manufacture (dima), developed in collaboration with TH Aschaffenburg, will continue to serve as a platform for co-creation after the festival. A budget of up to 50,000 euros is available for the implementation of the awarded contributions, ensuring that the creative energy of the city continues to shape its future.

Mayor Leiderer stated that the festival demonstrated what "Dialog City" means: an open, dialogue-oriented city that takes citizen ideas seriously, provides space for creativity, and uses new technologies wisely. The awarded contributions exemplify this essence, making "Dialog City" more than just a vision—it's a reality in the making.