We love ‘Lucy’ — the AI avatar redefining UC tech transfer
UC, Kinetic Vision launch cutting-edge AI to revolutionize the patent process
The merging of artificial intelligence and interactive technology has birthed "Lucy," an AI avatar tool designed to enhance engagements with the tech transfer team at the University of Cincinnati's 1819 Innovation Hub.
Developed in collaboration with locally based Kinetic Vision, one of the premier product and technology development companies in the United States, Lucy embodies a pioneering approach to AI communication that will streamline inquiries about patents and licensing.
Lucy, named in homage to UC's longtime mascot, will greet visitors with lifelike facial animations as she guides them through the university's technological offerings and associated researchers.
This initiative is part of the Office of Innovation's broader mission to streamline access to its cutting-edge research and resources for licensing intellectual property. It also reflects UC's eagerness to partner with industry leaders and entrepreneurs in the further development and commercialization of UC assets.
Lucy can help corporate partners and entrepreneurs to:
- Discover UC technologies available in their areas of interest
- Couple UC researchers with the expertise they need
- Engage with UC’s Tech Transfer office to partner on development, licensing and startup creation
New era of innovation and collaboration
UC's Patrick Brown on left and Kinetic Vision President and CEO Jeremy Jarrett on right watch as UC President Neville G. Pinto in center interacts with the Lucy Smarthelp AI avatar tool. Photo/Greg Glevicky/UC 1819 Innovation Hub
According to Jeremy Jarrett, a former UC co-op and Kinetic Vision's current president and CEO, Lucy represents a significant step toward personalization access to research and development processes.
Geoffrey Pinski, UC's assistant vice president for technology transfer, envisions Lucy not merely as a digital assistant but as a catalyst for economic growth.
"Through our partnership with Kinetic Vision," Pinski said, "we’re striving to enhance the influence of our innovators by streamlining the process of turning their groundbreaking concepts into commercially viable goods.
“By integrating our collective expertise and knowledge base with the power of artificial intelligence, we hope to increase the access to our creator’s technologies and institution’s capabilities.”
During the demo at Kinetic Vision, Lucy answered audio questions pertaining to UC's technology transfer process. Photo/Melanie Schefft
Underpinning Lucy's development is Kinetic Vision's Smarthelp platform, originally crafted for internal use but now tailored to empower entrepreneurs and established companies alike.
Justin Rost, lead design engineer at Kinetic Vision, emphasized the adaptability of the Smarthelp platform.
"Lucy isn't just a virtual assistant; she's a portal to understanding, capable of answering detailed queries about UC's diverse portfolio of innovations," he explained.
"Other companies could tailor Smarthelp to their specific needs, such as automatically searching training manuals and technical specifications to provide specific requested information.
"Lucy will be pulling all her answers from UC’s intellectual property network, ensuring reliable and vetted information," Rost added.
Patrick Brown, UC’s tech transfer commercialization navigator, highlighted the expansive potential of this partnership.
"We’re finding useful ways to leverage with AI as a tool to enhance some of our existing initiatives at 1819, but always with our constituents in mind," he said.
"By integrating Kinetic Vision’s existing Smarthelp software with our data, we’re creating a tool that not only answers questions but provides a physical outpost for interactive engagement. For us, this is just one more way we can help guide potential partners to their next innovation."
Brown added, "Lucy will have a dedicated physical presence at 1819. She’ll be a great in-building resource for broadening awareness and fostering engagement using a more personalized approach."
Lucy awaits
Kinetic Vision President and CEO Jeremy Jarrett demonstrates the Lucy Smarthelp AI avatar tool. Photo/Greg Glevicky/UC 1819 Innovation Hub
Lucy's initial audience will be external partners interested in UC’s patented technologies in advanced manufacturing, AI, medical devices, sustainable polymers and therapeutics. This audience includes industry giants such as Procter & Gamble, Western & Southern, early-stage investors like CincyTech and Orange Grove Bio and entrepreneurs looking to start their next businesses.
Kinetic Vision built Lucy at its facility over the summer, incorporating UC’s tech transfer data and delivering it to the 1819 Innovation Hub on Monday, Sept. 16. UC co-op students will be trained to maintain and enhance Lucy, ensuring she remains a cutting-edge resource.
For those eager to meet Lucy and explore UC's technological frontier when she arrives on campus, visit the 1819 Innovation Hub at 2900 Reading Road from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays.
More information about UC's available technologies and partnership opportunities can be found on UC’s tech transfer website or by contacting Patrick Brown at brownpj@ucmail.uc.edu.
Justin Rost, Kinetic Vision's lead design engineer, invites UC's Bearcat mascot to enjoy some of the company's new interactive video technology. Photo/Greg Glevicky/UC 1819 Innovation Hub
Featured image at top: Lucy, the Smarthelp AI avatar demo, was unveiled at Kinetic Vision in the spring of 2024. Photo/provided by Kinetic Vision
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