Data, cultural heritage and memory: the role of Artificial Intelligence in historical research and asset protection

CYCLE: Artificial Intelligence concerns everyone: invisible infrastructures, hidden Interests, Culture, and Democracy in the Age of Algorithms
SPEAKER: Arianna Traviglia
DATE: Tuesday, November 3, 6:00 PM
LOCATION: Biblioteca Maior - Sala della Crociera

In a landscape of increasing digitization and data availability, Artificial Intelligence is taking a central role in the study, protection, and enhancement of cultural heritage. This talk offers an accessible overview of applications developed at the IIT’s Center for Cultural Heritage Technology: from using AI to identify potential underground archaeological sites via satellite imagery and detecting traces of illegal excavations, to the automated transcription of historical manuscripts and the interpretation of epigraphic markings on ancient writing surfaces. The presentation will also showcase examples of extracting health-status information for heritage assets through the integrated processing of "Big Data." Special attention will be given to the role of physical AI and robotics in the documentation, digitization, and monitoring of archaeological heritage. What emerges is an insightful look at how data and AI are transforming the tools and perspectives of research and the preservation of cultural memory.

Arianna Traviglia is the Coordinator of the Centre for Cultural Heritage Technology (CCHT) at the Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT). Her work sits at the intersection of technology and the humanities, with research focused on integrating digital and robotic practices into the analysis, protection, and management of cultural heritage. Her research has led to the publication of over one hundred scientific articles in international journals. She serves as an Expert Collaborator for the Council of Europe on AI for Cultural Heritage and chairs the Technical-Scientific Committee of the CDP Foundation. Since 2021, she has been honored with the "Techno-visionary Woman" award, the "Innovation Leader Award" from ANGI, the "Environment and Legality" award from Legambiente, and the "Zeus International Archaeology Prize" in the Innovation and Technology category.

Free admission subject to availability.
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