AI Heritage Trail set to transform how people discover local history
A pioneering partnership between Mary Seacole Housing Association, Luton AI at the University of Bedfordshire, and Three Counties Media is set to launch one of Bedfordshire's most innovative heritage experiences this September.
The new AI Heritage Trail blends community history, artificial intelligence and digital technology to create an immersive journey through the Brantwood and Dallow area of Luton, allowing visitors to explore local stories through interactive AI guides, digital content and engaging heritage experiences. Click here to find out more.
Mary Seacole Housing Association has led the project, with support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, working in partnership with Revoluton Arts, Three Counties Media and the University of Bedfordshire, alongside local residents and community groups to capture and preserve the area's rich heritage and ensure local voices sit at the heart of the experience.
Luton AI, the University of Bedfordshire's applied AI ecosystem, has provided the research and innovation behind the project's AI Heritage Guide. The team has transformed community knowledge into an intelligent digital assistant capable of answering visitors' questions about the trail, its history and the people who shaped it. Luton AI has also supported the evaluation and research that will help shape future developments.
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.”
Three Counties Media, the project's digital technology partner, has developed the new visitor platform and interactive digital experience, ensuring the technology is accessible, engaging and easy for visitors of all ages to use.
The official launch takes place in Brantwood Park between 11am – 3pm on Thursday 17 September, where visitors will have the opportunity to experience the AI Heritage Guide for themselves, meet some of the people behind the project and discover how community heritage, academic research and digital innovation have come together to tell the story of Brantwood and Dallow in a completely new way.
Interactive demonstrations are planned throughout the day, including opportunities to ‘Ask the AI Anything About the Trail’, giving visitors the chance to explore local history through natural conversation. The Luton AI team will also bring some of the University of Bedfordshire's emerging technology to the event, helping to create a fun and engaging experience for visitors of all ages.
Dr Danai Korre, Senior Lecturer in Computer Science at the University of Bedfordshire, added: “This is fascinating project that combines research informed AI research, immersive technology and local history into a unique experience.”
The partnership hopes the project will become a model for how communities, universities and technology specialists can work together to preserve local heritage while inspiring future generations to engage with history in new and exciting ways.
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.”