Paving the way for technological empowerment: The AI Core
The University of Arizona’s AI Core is a student-driven initiative designed to integrate artificial intelligence into campus services, academic research and community collaboration. Made up of 10 to 12 students—primarily undergraduates—the team includes product leads, AI engineers and an extended reality (XR) developer. Together, they are building immersive digital environments that simulate retail and research spaces, enabling more accurate design insights and customer interaction modeling without requiring physical setups.
One of the AI Core’s standout projects is the creation of a digital twin of the Lundgren Consumer Science Lab. This online replication supports remote collaboration and design testing. Building on this success, the team is launching a similar initiative for Biosphere 2, with the goal of supporting environmental research and advancing food sovereignty solutions for Indigenous communities.
The AI Core also developed a low-cost conversational AI platform that mirrors tools like ChatGPT but at a fraction of the price—just $2 to $3 per month compared to the typical $20 to $30. This makes generative AI tools more accessible to the campus community.
Looking ahead, the AI Core has secured a two-year partnership with the Pima County Visitor Center. Students will create interactive platforms to support regional tourism—resources that will be used at trade shows and within the center itself.
Applications for new AI Core positions will open this summer on Handshake, inviting students with a passion for innovation and emerging technology to join this dynamic team.