Darwin World War II tunnels immersive experience gets AI-powered upgrade

One of Darwin’s most popular landmarks will let visitors talk to virtual characters about the city’s World War II history, in what its creator calls a breakthrough example of ‘next generation learning’.

Darwin’s historic World War II tunnels will get an artificial intelligence-powered upgrade just in time for Anzac Day celebrations.

The AADFA Man immersive experience became a family favourite when it was introduced last July, taking visitors on an augmented reality history lesson while exploring the historic attraction.

Now, project leader and educator Gareth Benson has revealed history buffs can shape the narrative of AADFA Man, the comic-inspired protagonist of the virtual story, who is based on the Diggers that built the tunnels which hid Australia’s oil supply from enemy bombs.

True Blue Studios founder Gareth Benson with Darwin tunnels operator Robert Marchant, showcasing the “Darwin Digger” augmented reality characters. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Mr Benson, also a Charles Darwin University law lecturer, said he believed immersive storytelling presented the “next generation of learning”.

Using tablets to project the story onto their surroundings, visitors can experience an AI-driven “conversation” with the characters about Darwin’s World War II history, as well as influencing parts of the story.

The AADFA Man immersive experience at the Darwin World War II tunnels. Picture: Supplied

Visitors can experience an AI-driven “conversation” with the characters about Darwin’s World War II history. Picture: Supplied

“There is an appetite for children and families to engage with history through the characters we’ve created,” Mr Benson said.

“The technology enables them to gain a deeper level of engagement. It allows history to come alive beyond the page, and enable the type of interactive learning the next generation are going to be accustomed to.”

Mr Benson said the project was driven out of a desire to “celebrate stories of sacrifice and heroism” and is a joint collaboration between his production studio, True Blue, and Singapore-based Evolve Studios.

Evolve Studios director Richard Chan said Australia and Singapore would “forever share the important stories of World War II, having stood in solidarity together”.

The Darwin Museum World War II Tunnels will have an extended opening from 8am to 1pm on Thursday, and then 9am to 4pm throughout the dry season thereafter.