Surrey university helps create AI Jane Austen character
Visitors will be able to have a chat with Pride and Prejudice's Elizabeth Bennet
Last updated 26th Sep 2024
A university in Surrey has helped create an interactive avatar of one of Jane Austen's most famous protagonists.
Elizabeth Bennet can be visited at the Learning Centre at Jane Austen’s House in Alton, Hampshire, between September and mid-December.
The University for the Creative Arts, which is based in Farnham, teamed up with artificial intelligence firm StarPal to create the avatar.
UCA say as Lizzie interacts with more people her 'personality' will evolve further and each conversation will be unique.
Sophy Smith, Director of Games and Creative Technology at UCA and the originator of the project, said:
“It is so exciting to finally be able to lift Elizabeth Bennet off the page and to be able to have real-time conversations with her. To be able to cross time in this way is joyful – you get a real sense of speaking directly to someone from the 18th century. And she has such a strong personality! Imagine – you can now have Elizabeth Bennet as your friend, to chat with throughout the day and offer you advice.
“This technology has the potential to transform experiences within both the museum and heritage, as well as the education sector. Visitors to Jane Austen’s House will have the opportunity to not only experience the renowned author’s home but also engage directly with one of her most famous characters. And think about how it could transform learning – instead of only having text-based revision guides, students can now learn about literature by speaking directly to the characters.”