Athena the Oracle – AI Voice Kiosk + Inflatable Character Experience for LEAF Festival
A 12-foot interactive alien oracle, combining a large inflatable sculpture with a reflective, poetic AI voice kiosk experience designed for the LEAF Global Arts & Music Festival. Athena guides visitors through gentle conversation, encouraging mindfulness, curiosity, and wonder while maintaining safe, inclusive dialogue.
Technologies Used
- React
- Node.js
- OpenAI
- SQLite
- Web Speech API
- Electron
Project Details
Client Background
LEAF Global Arts & Music Festival in Black Mountain, NC is an internationally celebrated event bringing together music, culture, creativity, and community from around the world. The festival promotes connection, curiosity, and shared joy — making it an ideal setting for an immersive, personality-driven AI character.
Athena the Oracle was created as a towering pink inflatable being from “Planet Claire,” paired with a calm, poetic AI voice kiosk. Her purpose is not to provide schedules or logistics, but to offer reflective, heart-centered conversations that inspire visitors to slow down, breathe, and marvel at the beauty around them.
Project Goals
- Create a Gentle, Philosophical Festival Character:
Develop a soft-spoken, nature-loving oracle capable of sparking thoughtful, curious conversations with visitors. - Blend Inflatable Art with Responsive AI:
Pair a 12-foot sculptural presence with an interactive kiosk, creating a hybrid art-meets-technology experience. - Encourage Mindfulness & Human Connection:
Use poetic language, reflective questions, and thematic metaphors to deepen guests’ emotional engagement. - Ensure Safe, Respectful Dialogue:
Keep conversations free of politics, negativity, conflict, or technical claims — redirecting gently with grace and kindness. - Adapt to Festival Environments:
Design for loud, crowded outdoor conditions while maintaining clarity, accessibility, and a calm user experience.