The project aims to develop and deliver the Digital Cultural Heritage Management Center (“CultKiosk”), a mobile and versatile interactive kiosk that accommodates high-end infrastructure comprised of sensors, interactive devices and the necessary computational systems. The Cultkiosk can be used as a cultural space that offers natural interaction methods between visitors and virtual cultural artifacts, beyond spatial limitations by incorporating a wide range of emerging technologies. Its basic structure includes the following: Vertical surfaces that can be combined to create spaces with different shapes, depending on availability and exhibition needs. Each surface has the appropriate equipment to accommodate (a) conventional materials – graphics, text, photographs, etc. (b) objects, (c) projectors, and (d) digital applications. Floor. Intelligent flooring that recognizes visitor traffic and allows space to adapt for a personalized experience. Roof, which protects the space when installed outdoors.
Maximum dimensions are 5m x 6m x 3m(height) The CultKiosk will be equipped with a wide range of devices that transform it into a smart interactive space able to provide immersive, personalized and exciting user experiences. The wearables (AR/VR glasses, smart devices, Biometric devices) can be used by the visitors when interacting with cultural artifacts for an augmented experience. The audio/visual infrastructure consisted of projectors, light and sound can customize the CultKiosk according to the current needs of each activity. The interactive surfaces are not limited to traditional screens, but potentially include all the walls and a large table, allowing multiple applications.
Furthermore the ecosystem of the CultKiosk will be environmentally monitored by many sensors and managed by Amazon Echo, fueling a Ubiquitous Computing space that allows multiple inputs and adapts accordingly. The Smart Floor covering all the floor of the CultKiosk further enhances the system perception about user movement, and engagement. Overall, the technologies hidden into the CultKiosk will allow the exhibition curators to offer user experiences with artifacts that may not be accessible outside of the museum space, with cultural and social procedures otherwise not available and in general with activities that promote the cultural interaction of the visitors. The CultKiosk will be available for Cultural Heritage institutions as well for other actors of the ecosystem, and provide them with the necessary equipment, knowledge and support, assisting them on promoting their cultural heritage on a wider audience.