Geretsried, Germany – A small firm in Bavaria is quietly demonstrating how artificial intelligence can reshape the often-frustrating experience of interacting with government. Ayunis, formerly known as Locaboo, develops AI-powered software designed to streamline administrative processes for municipalities across Germany. With over 700 communities already utilizing their tools, the company is aiming to alleviate the burden on local governments and free up resources for direct citizen services.
Ayunis’s origins lie in addressing a specific, yet widespread, problem: the complex scheduling of public facilities. Andreas Michel and Michael Loy founded Locaboo in 2021 to create a digital platform for managing the booking of spaces like sports halls, community centers, and swimming pools. This initial product proved successful, expanding to serve approximately 800 municipalities. However, the founders recognized a larger opportunity to leverage technology to address broader inefficiencies within local government. This realization led to the rebranding as Ayunis and the development of a more comprehensive AI-driven platform.
“Locaboo was our entry point into the market,” explains Andreas Michel. “As we grew, we understood that the real challenge wasn’t just about individual applications, but about fundamentally improving how administrations operate, especially given the increasing shortage of skilled workers.”
“Like a Very Fast Colleague”: AI Software Relieves Pressure on Municipalities
Explaining the core function of Ayunis to a non-technical audience, Michel describes it as “intelligent software for town halls that reduces paperwork and speeds up processes.” The software aims to automate routine tasks, allowing civil servants to focus on more complex and citizen-facing responsibilities.
The company’s AI capabilities are multifaceted. Ayunis can assist with drafting emails and official documents, summarizing lengthy files, conducting research within legal frameworks and internal documentation, and even responding to citizen inquiries in multiple languages. A key differentiator, according to Michel, is the platform’s commitment to data privacy and security. Unlike publicly available AI tools like ChatGPT, Ayunis is built on an open-source foundation, allowing for complete transparency and control over data processing. This is crucial for handling sensitive citizen information within a governmental context.
“Our AI supports employees, for example, in formulating emails and official letters, summarizing files and documents, researching in statutes, laws and internal documents, as well as answering citizen inquiries based on the available information,” Michel stated. “The AI does not make its own decisions, but supports the employees – like a very fast, very well-informed colleague.”
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More than 700 municipalities are reportedly using Ayunis, including the cities of Geretsried and Wolfratshausen. The company is headquartered in Munich.
The practical implications of this technology are significant. Ayunis aims to address the perception of bureaucracy as slow and cumbersome. By providing quick access to relevant information and automating repetitive tasks, the platform can dramatically reduce response times and improve the overall efficiency of administrative processes. For citizens, this translates to faster service, fewer requests for additional information, and clearer communication.
Michel highlights the platform’s ability to streamline information retrieval as a key benefit. “If a civil servant receives a citizen inquiry, they can use Ayunis Core to quickly access relevant information from statutes, regulations, or previous cases, instead of spending time searching manually. Answers can be formulated faster, applications processed more quickly, and questions answered directly and understandably – even in foreign languages.”
The question arises: what tasks can AI reliably handle within a governmental setting, and where does human intervention remain essential? According to Michel, AI excels at tasks requiring extensive reading, writing, and research. This includes responding to standard inquiries, pre-screening documents, generating text, and compiling information. However, he emphasizes that AI cannot replace human judgment, accountability, empathy, or the nuanced decision-making required in complex political or legal scenarios.
Ayunis’s approach focuses on augmentation, not replacement. The AI serves as a powerful assistant, empowering civil servants to work more effectively and efficiently, ultimately improving the citizen experience. The company’s “modernization agenda” aligns with broader efforts within the German government to leverage AI for public sector improvements, as highlighted by Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s cabinet, which aims to reduce bureaucracy costs by 25% by 2029 and expand online public services. This push includes initiatives like an AI-powered platform for export businesses and expedited visa processing, demonstrating a national commitment to integrating AI into governmental operations.
While the German government’s broader AI strategy has faced some scrutiny regarding public interest, Ayunis’s focused approach on practical administrative improvements offers a tangible example of the technology’s potential benefits. The company’s open-source approach and emphasis on data privacy also address key concerns surrounding the responsible implementation of AI in the public sector.
