As part of the Freiraum 2026 funding programme, a new project at RWTH Aachen University, EarthScape, is being supported by the Foundation for Innovation in Higher Education. It is the only project at RWTH Aachen University to receive funding and will start in April 2026 and run for two years. The aim is to develop new interactive learning content in which innovative interfaces for working with immersive media are to be tested using generative AI. The resulting learning scenario will be actively tested in teaching and is to become part of the Anywhere Academy.

The core of the project is the development of an innovative virtual reality (VR) escape room about global environmental challenges and sustainability. The interactive capabilities of VR are used to create effective learning experiences around complex sustainability topics.

A key innovation is the integration of generative AI (GenAI) as a natural language interface. This allows users to interact through spoken language and goes beyond typical point-and-click VR formats. The AI interprets user actions meaningfully and provides context-sensitive responses and dynamic adaptation to learning behaviour for a personalised experience.

The project explores the potential of combining VR and GenAI in university teaching, thereby bringing together two technologies of the future. We are delighted to be able to express our creativity within the framework of this funding programme while enriching teaching at the same time.