Barco, a technology company specialising in innovative visualisation solutions, is helping visitors engage with complex topics at the ALEM AI International Center for Artificial Intelligence in Astana, Kazakhstan.
Envisaged as a fully interactive environment, ALEM AI includes art installations, an immersive cinema, an interactive exhibition on the history of AI, and robotics zones within its multifunctional exhibition and demonstration space.
Across the centre, a Barco-driven visual layer helps deliver captivating, projection-driven environments that transport visitors to a world where technology, creativity, and education converge.
Integrated, versatile solution
The museum features more than 4,500 square meters of exhibition space, designed by museum bureau Pitch and its partner SILA SVETA. These spaces include the Museum of Singularity, immersive tunnels, AI Cinema, children’s zones, and startup areas, which are all part of a unified visitor journey.
Projection, interactive mechanics, and AI-driven elements for these spaces were integrated directly into the museum's architecture, which consists of a radial design with constant natural light and complex projection surfaces.
To address this challenging space, system integrator Asimetrik KZ worked in close collaboration with projection equipment supplier Sound Creations.
They were tasked with providing a projection system that could deliver bright, detailed 4K visuals across numerous zones, with consistent day-to-day performance.
With projection as a core storytelling medium, the installation demanded exceptional image quality, system stability, and precision.
The History of AI exhibit at ALEM AI International Center for Artificial IntelligenceImage courtesy of Barco
The solution was a meticulously balanced projection setup built on Barco professional laser phosphor DLP projectors, supplied by Sound Creations and installed by system integrator Asimetrik KZ.
By bringing together Barco I-Series and G-Series models, the team developed a flexible approach that can serve different spatial and technical requirements whilst maintaining visual consistency.
Central to the setup are 16 Barco I600-4K projectors, part of Barco’s flagship installation range. These provide high image detail, precise colour reproduction, and the visual depth demanded for content-rich environments like the Museum of Singularity and the AI Cinema.
Additionally, eight G100 projectors offer the additional brightness needed in areas with higher ambient light. This means that content remains vibrant and clearly visible, without compromising the overall visual consistency of the experience.
Projection is precisely tailored to each surface using a wide range of lenses, from ultra-short-throw to mid-throw zoom. This preserves image geometry while smoothly integrating with the exhibition design.
As a result, the unified, flexible system supports all requirements, from panoramic storytelling to interactive applications.
Powerful storytelling
The ALEM AI experience features fully embedded projection that shapes how visitors explore and understand AI across all of its zones, from immersive tunnels to interactive children’s spaces.
A children's zone at ALEM AI International Center for Artificial Intelligence Image courtesy of Barco
Clear, high-resolution visuals and responsive, interactive storytelling make AI concepts easier to understand, while consistent image quality ensures that each experience, whether cinematic, educational, or playful, feels connected and intuitive.
Looking forward, the versatile projection setup allows the ongoing evolution of ALEM AI's content. As AI advances, the centre can adapt its storytelling to remain relevant, giving guests new reasons to return and explore.
Earlier this year, Barco reached an agreement in principle to acquire 100% of the shares of VerVent Audio Holding, a French-British audio company that produces high‑end audio systems, headphones, and automotive OEM audio solutions under the brands Focal and Naim.
