While AI and the natural environment might seem like two opposing ideas, we are using an Internet of Things network with Edge AI to create a ‘digital twin’ of the natural environment around a school. This means that it will not rely on an internet connection, ideal for rural Cornish schools, and it will not store any data.

Working directly with pupils to convert their school into an AI persona, these sessions will involve subjects as varied as creative writing, biology, computer science, and art. After bringing their school persona to life, pupils will chat about factors such as temperature, pollution, bird song or moisture levels. If they have a pond, for example, pupils could ask their school, “How are the frogs getting on?” Their school might reply, “Bit hot and cramped this summer, you might want to think about topping up their water.” By anthropomorphising the environment in this way, children are able to develop empathy for concepts that may otherwise remain too abstract to properly comprehend.

As the government’s Net Zero Strategy sets out the UK’s commitments by 2050, Hi9 is excited to be integrating AI as part of the solution. Not only do we need to understand how AI can contribute to achieving climate change, but this knowledge must begin with the youngest in our society. We are looking forward to working with the Aspire School Network in Cornwall, the Digital Skills Partnership and Software Cornwall to best equip the environmental bastions of the future.

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