Skip to content

Thinktank science museum introduces AI-powered digital guide

Birmingham-based museum is enhancing the guest experience through technology

thinktank tellme ai guide

Thinktank, Birmingham's science museum, has launched an artificial intelligence-powered digital guide to enhance the visitor experience.

The guide, called Tellme, is driven by artificial intelligence (AI) and was introduced so that visitors can explore the museum in a more interactive and personalised way.


It is available free of charge and accessed through a smartphone browser with no download required.

thinktank

Using Tellme, guests can point their phones at exhibits to access facts and stories, and ask questions and receive answers via the chat function.

Developed in collaboration with software development company Tellme, the guide also offers rewards to encourage exploration.

Kingston Myles, director of enterprise and innovation at Birmingham Museums Trust, said: "We are always looking for new ways to help visitors connect more deeply with our collections.

thinktank ai guide

“This new digital guide offers an exciting and accessible way for people to explore Thinktank, giving them the freedom to discover stories in a way that suits their interests and pace.

“Early feedback has shown strong uptake and engagement, with visitors responding positively to being able to explore the museum in a more flexible and conversational way.”

Eamon Byrne, founder of Tellme, added: "Over the past months the guide has been tested with visitors and we have worked closely with curatorial staff to ensure the experience is accurate, safe and aligned with the museum’s interpretation."

thinktank ai guide

In more news, Birmingham Museums Trust has teamed up with Equity Energies to accelerate its sustainability initiatives as it works towards its 2040 net zero commitment.

The trust aims to reduce energy consumption across its nine museums, which include the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery and Thinktank.

Images courtesy of Birmingham Museums Trust