PARTNERSHIPS IN FOCUS of the feature , which could be a sculpture for example ,” Prof . Kanjo explains . “ Then the phone , using AI technology , will recognise that sculpture and give them some information about it . One of the other IoT challenges is to find and tap a nearby tag . The third challenge is a quiz where users are presented with a question they have to answer , and they are shown three different options to choose from .
She continues : “ When they complete that particular challenge , they get a point . The idea is that , when they reach a specific score , they will be rewarded with a coffee or a sweet treat and so on , which can be decided by the venue managers . These points can be carried out for other visits , for example , if this is built into a subscription based kind of system .”
Following the restrictions of the pandemic , which called for isolation , social distancing and multiple lockdowns , the app is a welcome reprieve for those who have missed in-person connections , fresh air , and beautiful scenery . Now , it is being considered for other applications in the locality , including mental health , physical activities and crime prevention use cases .
“ We are looking at ways where we can put a system or test bid for different regions or councils , helping people to be aware of the issues or problems in their local areas , or be offered some kind of information as to who to reach and increasing social prescribing . So , in a way , it could be location proximity-based .
“ We also work with end-user organisations who are helping us in terms of how we can customise this for crime prevention . We work with a number of police forces in Nottingham and London to see how this tech could be used to improve crime prevention in those areas .
“ I could also imagine it in a school , where the whole lesson is given in an open space in the courtyard , or in the playground , where they have different areas around the playground and the children have to visit each one to learn about specific parts of a topic .
“ Right now , though , we are preparing for a test bid with a mental health hospital in Nottingham , because it ' s very relevant to what they want to achieve in terms of engaging their patients , staff and medical students in the natural environment around them . In the little garden
they have near the hospital , we are embedding our devices to see if we can help in terms of storytelling and motivational messages .”
So , what exactly does Prof . Kanjo envision the future of this technology being ?
“ We are currently looking at improving the processing power and ability of these devices , and moving towards edge computing , which will enable us to connect these devices collaboratively . So , in a way , they can share intelligence to serve the communities and bridge the gap between the physical and remote .”
We can ’ t wait to see such a future take shape .
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