People in Brantwood and Dallow can explore the history of their communities in a completely new way with the launch of an AI-powered heritage trail in Luton.
The new AI Heritage Trail combines local stories with artificial intelligence and digital technology, allowing visitors to discover the people, places and events that have shaped the area through interactive guides and digital content.
The project has been led by Mary Seacole Housing Association with support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, and has brought together local residents and community groups with Revoluton Arts, Three Counties Media and Luton AI at the University of Bedfordshire.
Dr Edward Braund, Head of the School of Computing, Engineering, & Creative Industries and Director of Luton AI at the University of Bedfordshire, said: “This is applied AI at its best: using research and technology to help people explore community knowledge in new ways. The trail brings the stories of Brantwood and Dallow to life while keeping local voices at its heart.”
Luton AI has provided the research and innovation behind the trail’s AI Heritage Guide, which has been developed to answer visitors’ questions about the area, its history and the people who have helped shape it.
Three Counties Media has developed the visitor platform and interactive digital experience, with the aim of making the technology accessible and easy to use for people of all ages.
The official launch takes place at Brantwood Park between 11am and 3pm today, Thursday 17 September.
Visitors will be able to try the AI Heritage Guide for themselves, meet people involved in the project and learn more about how community knowledge, academic research and technology have been brought together.
Interactive demonstrations will include the chance to ‘Ask the AI Anything About the Trail’, allowing visitors to explore local history through natural conversation.
The Luton AI team will also showcase some of the University of Bedfordshire’s emerging technology during the event.
Dr Danai Korre, Senior Lecturer in Computer Science at the University of Bedfordshire, said: “This is fascinating project that combines research informed AI research, immersive technology and local history into a unique experience.”
The partnership hopes the project can provide a model for other communities looking to preserve local heritage while encouraging younger generations to engage with history using new technology.
Matthew Bushnell, Chief Executive of Mary Seacole Housing Association, said: “This project is about much more than technology. It’s about bringing together the knowledge of our local community, the expertise of Luton AI at the University and the creativity of our digital partners to make our shared heritage accessible in a way that’s engaging, inclusive and exciting. We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve created together and can’t wait to share it with everyone.”
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