TU Dublin Age-Friendly AI Project Unveils New Interactive ‘AI Radio’ Exhibit
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Dr Damon Berry and colleagues have launched a new interactive exhibit, The AI Radio, as part of the Age-Friendly AI project, a national initiative designed to improve AI literacy among older adults across Ireland.
Now entering its second year, the Age-Friendly AI project is embarking on a nationwide roadshow that will bring AI literacy events to every county in Ireland. The programme is led by Paula Kelly from the School of Electrical Engineering, with support from the tPOT Research Centre at TU Dublin and the ADAPT Research Centre at DCU. Together, the team has developed a series of hands-on exhibits that help older adults understand how artificial intelligence works and how it is shaping everyday life.
One area receiving particular attention is the growing role of AI in media. From AI-generated music and videos to virtual influencers and recommendation algorithms used by streaming platforms, artificial intelligence is increasingly involved in what people see, hear and consume.
To explore this shift, the team has created The AI Radio exhibit, a working radio inspired by a 1950’s design in recognition of the centenary of Irish broadcast radio. At first glance, it looks like a traditional radio set and can tune into standard broadcast stations. However, users can also switch the device into ‘AI mode’, where the content including music and talk shows is generated by artificial intelligence.
As radio marks more than a century of broadcasting in Ireland, the AI Radio exhibit invites people to reflect on how far media has come and where it may be heading next. By blending heritage with emerging technology, the Age-Friendly AI team hopes to ensure that all generations can take part in shaping that future.
According to Dr Berry, the aim of the AI Radio is to encourage informed discussion about AI-generated and AI-curated media. In line with the objectives of the Age-Friendly AI project, the exhibit is particularly focused on engaging older adults, a group often excluded from emerging technology debates. By using a familiar object, a radio, the team hopes to make abstract AI concepts more approachable and less intimidating.
The project aligns with the global conversation taking place on World Radio Day 2026, celebrated annually on February 13th. This year’s theme, supported by UNESCO, highlights how radio stations can use AI responsibly while preserving the warmth and reliability audiences value.
More information about the project and its upcoming roadshow is available at:
Get involved in the conversation: #WorldRadioDay