Overview
Augmented Reality (AR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are among the key technologies driving digital transformation. In education, environmental communication, and museology, immersive formats are increasingly being used to make complex concepts tangible, enable new forms of interaction, and create emotional connections. Zoos—as highly frequented venues with an educational and outreach mission—have so far tapped into this potential only sporadically. Initial pilot projects use AR, for example, for virtual animal representations or
interactive learning formats. AI, on the other hand, usually remains invisible in the background, for instance for behavioral analysis or image recognition—without being directly integrated into the visitor experience.
The planned project aims to explore the interplay between AR and AI and translate it into new, interactive educational formats. Visitors will not only be engaged visually but will also be actively involved in reflective learning processes through situational AR experiences and AI-supported, voice-based interfaces—such as chatbots. Rather than linear factual knowledge, the focus is on a participatory, adaptive system that responds to individual interests, visitor journeys, and contextual data.
The project addresses a highly topical social issue: environmental education through digital design and intelligent, AI-supported interaction. It strengthens the interdisciplinary research culture at HSLU and opens up new areas of application for immersive technologies.
