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
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."
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 is building Lucy at its facility this summer, incorporating UC's tech transfer data before delivering it to the 1819 Innovation Hub by the start of the fall semester. Once operational, 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
