How a Virtual Assistant Is Revolutionizing the Museum Experience

Master Corporal Lana recently joined the Ontario Regiment RCAC Museum, but she isn’t any ordinary recruit. Lana is an animated virtual assistant developed by CloudConstable. Powered by artificial intelligence (AI), she’s poised to revolutionize the visitor and volunteer experience at the museum. “We’re always looking to present historical content in fresh ways, and this was an innovative way to do so,” says Jeremy Neal Blowers, Executive Director at the museum. “There’s also a practical application because Lana can help to automate the entry process, especially when we host large events.”

Integrating the technology into the museum’s operations was seamless. All that was required was an internet connection, and Blowers says that it was easy to customize the technology by working with CloudConstable. “We love working with them,” says Blowers. “When we first tested Lana, people were curious and excited to see a virtual person assisting them. They wanted her to do more, which helped us develop the capabilities further.” Lana uses an advanced Intel® RealSense™ depth camera, which allows the museum to extend her capabilities for natural human interactions and to provide new and useful functionality. Intel® RealSense™ technology is used to develop products that enrich people’s lives by enabling machines and devices to perceive the world in 3D. CloudConstable leverages Intel’s technology to help create a state-of-the-art natural voice and vision interface with touchless self-service COVID-19 screening. We’re excited to be a part of CloudConstable and delivering innovation that improves lives.

Joel Hagberg, Head of Product Management and Marketing, Intel RealSense Group

Lana is proving her value in ways that weren’t expected when the museum began working with the technology last year. The COVID-19 pandemic has expanded Lana’s role, as she can screen visitors and staff and provide health and safety guidance such as reminders on hand washing and social distancing. She even has a body scanning feature with fever-screening protocol. “It’s comforting having a touchless, safe reception and entry experience,” says Blowers. “Lana allows us to sidestep some of the challenges that other museums and cultural spaces are having to deal with, while offering our visitors an innovative experience that they’ll enjoy and that’ll make them feel safe.”