The 2024 Web Summit in Lisbon, Portugal, highlighted artificial intelligence (AI) as a transformative force. Over 3,000 companies showcased innovations addressing global challenges, from environmental conservation to urban mobility and education.
AI Solutions Tackle Global Problems
WoodChat: Fighting Illegal Logging in Brazil
WoodChat, an AI-powered tool, aims to combat illegal logging in Brazil, where deforestation is a persistent issue. The platform uses AI via WhatsApp to identify and verify wood types, ensuring compliance with federal regulations.
“WoodChat enables Brazilian loggers to complete official documentation for federally authorized wood,” explained founder Fernanda Onofre. For European importers, the tool provides transparency, confirming legally sourced, certified wood.
Tryp: Affordable Travel for Everyone
Tryp, a platform led by Portuguese entrepreneur André Sousa, is revolutionizing budget travel. Its AI processes over 70 million travel routes, including flights, trains, and buses, to curate affordable itineraries in real time.
“By creating millions of combinations, our software provides travelers with the best deals,” Sousa said. For instance, Tryp offers a Lisbon-Malta-Rome round trip for only €66 per person. This innovation makes travel accessible to more people.
Innovations in Urban Mobility and Robotics
Flying Multicopters: The Future of Urban Transport
Developers are tackling urban congestion with AI-powered mobility solutions. A prototype hybrid multicopter-airplane, unveiled at the summit, offers an eco-friendly transit alternative.
“With the latest Infineon semiconductors, concepts like this could soon become reality,” said Martin Schiestl, a systems engineer at Infineon Austria. Powered by advanced AI and microchips, this technology could revolutionize urban transport within a decade.
Stella the Robot: Empowering Education and Industry
Stella, a modular robot created by Ahead, impressed attendees with its versatility. Featuring 3D-printed, self-assembly parts, Stella supports industrial tasks and teaches robotics skills to students.
“Stella’s design encourages students to experiment with robotics while exploring their creativity,” explained Gaelle De Ruyter from Ahead. Its durability and educational focus highlight robotics’ growing role in schools and industry.
Opportunities and Challenges of AI
The summit demonstrated AI’s potential to address pressing issues while raising questions about societal impacts. As automation advances, concerns about job displacement grow.
Experts emphasize the need for ethical considerations and balanced policies. With AI projected to reach €780 billion in market value by 2030, its influence on society and the economy will expand significantly.
Europe’s Role in Shaping the Future
The Web Summit reinforced Europe’s leadership in tech innovation. It provided a platform for ideas that address real-world problems and align with sustainability goals.
As AI adoption grows, the summit showcased a vision of a future where technology improves lives and tackles global challenges effectively.