Enhancing Scientific Communication and Institutional Identity Through a Retrieval-Augmented Generation Digital Personal Tutor

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Abstract
This project presents the development of a Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) system applied to the customization of a Non-Playable Character (NPC), designed as the Non-Playable Character (NPC) of the President of the IDIS Foundation Città della Scienza (City of Science). The NPC acts as both a virtual guide and institutional ambassador within the science center, providing multilingual, interactive, and accessible communication for a broad international audience. Through the integration of generative models with a curated, validated knowledge base, the RAG system enables the NPC to provide accurate, context-sensitive, and up-to-date responses to user queries. Developed by the Teaching Learning Centre for Education and Inclusive Technologies ‘Elisa Frauenfelder’ at the University of Salerno, the system supports the museum’s educational mission by enhancing science communication and fostering inclusive digital engagement. The Non-Playable Character (NPC) features realistic facial animation, movement, and voice synthesis, creating a digital twin capable of simulating human-like interaction. This initiative exemplifies an innovative application of artificial intelligence for an inclusive and equitable quality education and contributes to the development of engaging, accessible, and personalized learning environments.

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