The setup combines a full-body holographic display with an interactive AI engine, so learners can explore background, contributions to knowledge and ethical questions through short, memorable exchanges.
What began as a proof-of-concept has grown through three consecutive initiatives within a single year, development funded by Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Services and the Talent Match programme, and completion through a Teaching Innovation Award (TIA).
This sustained backing has taken the project from lab testing to live interaction, with pilots running in Computer Science this year. Colleagues will shortly be able to book the avatars for their own research and training, with setup guidance and a short briefing available on request.
The same technology is being adapted for wider skills development. The AIED Practice Group are trialling confidence-building interview practice, where candidates rehearse answers with a supportive, life-sized avatar, and they are developing scenarios to support unconscious bias awareness with the Organisational Development team. Across these uses, the aim is simple: create safe, engaging spaces for practice and reflection that feel authentic, while keeping controls in place for accuracy and respectful representation.
Students are now forming a Digital Human Society to explore creative, responsible uses of avatar and holographic technologies. Their first activity will be a hackathon focused on EDI-centred, interactive learning experiences, open to students from across Schools.
If you’d like to explore how the avatars could support your teaching, training or research, you can email the AIED Practice Group at aied@mailbox.lboro.ac.uk.