AI Powered Campus Way-Finding
Campus Ambassador
Finding your way around campus just got a lot easier! Dublin City University (DCU) has launched a new digital guide to help students, staff, and visitors navigate their way around campus. The guide consists of two complementary parts:
- Campus Explorer: a digital twin of DCU campuses
- Campus Ambassador: AI powered way-finding assistant
Campus Explorer
The project originated as a collaboration between Student Support & Development (SS&D), the Insight Research Ireland Centre for Data Analytics, DCU People and our external partner, Bentley.
Campus Explorer is a virtual model of our three teaching campuses. Built using Bentley’s Digital Twin technology, this immersive tool captures the vibrant atmosphere of our university, highlighting both popular spots and hidden gems to give you a true sense of our inclusive community.
Quick Answers, Smarter Way-Finding
The new Campus Ambassador, an AI-powered chatbot takes this experience a step further. It provides quick and accurate answers to location queries and, using Campus Explorer, provides seamless and engaging way-finding links to campus locations.
For example, if you ask about a specific room, the bot won’t just tell you where it is, it will also give you a direct link so you can virtually walk there using Campus Explorer.
“Developed in collaboration with partners across DCU, the Campus Ambassador project reflects our mission to empower students and staff through modern digital solutions. By enabling seamless connection with DCU spaces and services, this AI-powered solution enhances the university experience for students, staff, and visitors alike.” – Justin Doyle, DTS Director
Key Features
Campus Explorer and Campus Ambassador are designed with usability and accessibility in mind. Working together, they provide:
- Instant search: Quickly find locations, schools, buildings, and departments
- Accessible anywhere: Browser-based and mobile-friendly, best experienced on a laptop or large screen
- Immersive exploration: Experience a campus through 360° models and curated content
- Inclusive design: Supports different needs, helping everyone feel more confident on campus
Campus Ambassador chats show that during orientation and the beginning of the semester, the tool successfully helped hundreds of students find their classrooms and access key DCU services on campus.
Supporting the DCU Experience
The Campus Ambassador and Explorer are more than AI powered way-finding tools, they are designed to make our campuses more inclusive and accessible. Whether you’re new to DCU, neurodivergent, or simply unsure about finding your way, they help ensure that everyone can fully participate in university life.
Get Involved
Campus Explorer and Ambassador will continue to grow with input from our community. Do you have a location to share, a story to tell, or an idea to improve the experience? Your insights can help shape the next phase of development.
Email: campusexplorer@dcu.ie