Text Academy Podcast #47 | Sergej Ruppel: «No one is being replaced—just reassigned»
In an industry where a single mistake can cost lives, the use of artificial intelligence sounds like a risky move. Sergej Ruppel, CEO of QPS Engineering AG, sees it the other way around—when used correctly, AI makes pharmaceutical production safer. In a podcast with Christoph Soltmannowski, the engineer talks about robot-assisted inspection, a culture shock in China, and the question of where humans must have the final say.
Those who manufacture pharmaceuticals operate in one of the most strictly regulated industries in the world. GMP—Good Manufacturing Practice—refers to the aspect of quality assurance that guarantees consistent standards in the production and testing of pharmaceuticals. In this environment, Sergej Ruppel is driving the digital transformation forward: Together with his team at QPS Engineering AG, he supports companies in the pharmaceutical, biotech, and food technology sectors—from robot-assisted visual inspection to AI-based solutions. «We came up with the idea of combining various components to create something of our own, in order to optimize processes and make them safer,» he explains.
Data, Not Gut Feelings
Simply integrating AI into a validated production process—that doesn’t work in the life sciences industry. No one here can afford the «hallucinations» associated with generative models. That’s why Ruppel relies on local, closed systems. «Patient safety is the top priority,» he says. Ruppel explains the advantage over human workers in a matter-of-fact way: In cleanroom areas, humans themselves are the most common source of particles and contamination. “That’s exactly where robotics and camera systems make much more sense and are much more efficient.”
Culture Shock in China
In Europe, Ruppel feels things are moving too slowly: We need to generate more data instead of just calling for AI. His trip to China reinforced this view. «I experienced culture shock,» he says. Robotics and AI are socially integrated there, and the fear that Europe knows has disappeared. The government and society are pulling in the same direction. In Europe, on the other hand, the debate revolves primarily around regulations. Both are important—but the balance is off: «We mustn’t limit ourselves to the point where we can no longer develop.»
Replaced or newly installed?
Are robotics and AI bad news for the workforce? Ruppel disagrees. Certainly, humans will be replaced in some areas—«but they can be deployed elsewhere.» He advises younger people to understand the technology rather than fear it; learning a trade isn’t a bad idea anyway, because it’s harder to replace than a purely computer-based job.
When People Have to Make Decisions
Despite all the enthusiasm, Ruppel draws a clear line. When safety is at stake, he says, someone needs to be the one who ultimately makes the decision. «That’s exactly where people need to take the lead.» Liability remains unchanged: the manufacturer is always responsible, and every system must be validated before it goes live. In his private capacity, Ruppel runs Agentic Engineering and places a high value on digital sovereignty—sensitive data is processed locally. In the coming weeks, QPS will release two systems: AI-based visual inspection and «Dr. Project AI,» a project management tool.
The podcast episode on Spotify
«AI and Society – Pathways to a New World» is a video podcast produced by the Swiss Text Academy Foundation and the Swiss Prompt Engineering Academy in collaboration with Science City Davos and Lab42 Davos. Hosted by Christoph Soltmannowski. Available on YouTube, Spotify, and all other major podcast platforms: tinyurl.com/5t4fyfex
