Pioneering training experience: AI avatars bring artificial intelligence to Swiss Federal Railways (SBB)
Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) is the largest railroad company in Switzerland and a major player in European rail transport. They operate a dense rail network that transports millions of passengers every day. As an innovative company, SBB relies on forward-looking technologies to continuously optimize its operations and train its employees.
The Challenge
SBB was faced with the challenge of designing and implementing training content on artificial intelligence for a broad and heterogeneous target group. The aim was to make the functionality and possible applications of AI understandable and at the same time draw attention to the safe handling of the associated opportunities, risks, and data protection aspects.
The Approach
In order to clearly define the training objectives, the project began with an initial framing workshop. The framework conditions were defined and the specific training objectives determined. The creation of a series of short animated videos, which were intended to convey the content in a low-threshold and inspiring way, was ideal.
Real-life and diverse AI-generated avatars were selected to present the content. The aim was not only to demonstrate the capabilities of the technology, but also to highlight its limitations and present the SBB guidelines for dealing with AI. After the content conception of the videos, the creation of scripts, and storyboards, the motion design was implemented in collaboration with Panda Picture.
AI training videos | The result
The introduction of AI technologies in a company requires not only technological adjustments, but also comprehensive training and employee involvement. AI training videos are an effective and low-threshold way to prepare the team for these changes and actively involve them in the process.
The result is six two-minute training videos on artificial intelligence, which are available in three official Swiss languages – German, Italian, and French. These videos convey the most important aspects of AI to SBB employees in an appealing and understandable way and help them to use the technology in a safe and informed manner.
The use of AI training videos creates a solid foundation on which employees can build. They are not only enabled to understand and use the new technologies but also to actively shape the opportunities and challenges of digital transformation.
SBB’s Benefits
- Simple and accessible knowledge transfer: Training videos offer an easy-to-understand and visually appealing way of explaining complex topics. They allow employees to engage with the content at their own pace and to review what they have learned if necessary.
- Wide accessibility and flexibility: Videos can be accessed at any time and from anywhere. This is particularly important for large companies with many locations and different working hours. Each employee can complete the training when and where it suits them best.
- Motivation and commitment: Well-designed training videos with interactive elements and appealing avatars can arouse the interest and curiosity of employees. They encourage commitment and a willingness to engage with new technologies and actively use them in their day-to-day work.
- Continuous training: Training videos can be easily updated and expanded to provide employees with new information and skills on an ongoing basis. This ensures that the team always stays up to date with the latest technology and can adapt to new developments.
