AI-powered audio guide for accessible, interactive, and advertising-funded tourism solutions (TELLO)

TELLO is a feasibility project that explores a KI-based, telephone-driven audio guide for tourism and cultural heritage sites. The system enables visitors to access interactive, personalized information about points of interest simply by making a phone call—without the need for apps, special devices, or internet access. By combining established telephony infrastructure with modern AI technologies, TELLO offers a low-threshold and barrier-free alternative to traditional audioguides and app-based solutions, especially suited for small and resource-limited cultural sites.

The project investigates both the technical and economic feasibility of an advertising-funded business model that allows POI operators and visitors to use the service free of charge, while enabling local businesses to place context-aware audio advertisements. TELLO is developed by Mobile Etage GmbH in collaboration with TU Chemnitz, combining applied AI development with user-centered research and evaluation. The goal is to lay the foundation for a scalable, market-ready solution that improves access to cultural heritage while supporting local value creation.