Ulm University: Innovative AI chatbot revolutionizes student contact!

Ulm University: Innovative AI chatbot revolutionizes student contact!

Ulm University was the first university in Germany to introduce an innovative chatbot, called “Ulma”, which is based on a Large Language Model (LLM). This digital helper is designed in the shape of an owl wearing a bachelor's hat and is intended to significantly improve communication with students both locally and internationally. Ulma was developed in cooperation with Kauz.ai and KnowSo and is available 24/7 to handle requests in 30 different languages. Contacting us is easy: just click on the owl symbol on the website www.uni-ulm.de/io/ directs users directly to the chatbot.

Ulma combines rule-based responses with generative AI to handle even more complex queries. Using the Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) method, the chatbot provides verified and up-to-date information. It becomes the first point of contact for prospective students, students, researchers and partner universities when it comes to topics such as course offerings, stays abroad, scholarships and student life. In addition, Ulma automates routine inquiries, which enables the staff in the International Office to spend more time on individual consultations.

Background and development of the project

The idea for the chatbot came about in 2020 during the corona pandemic as part of a DAAD funding project. Project leaders Daniela Englisch and Jens Ostermann-Heimig report that Ulm University is taking on a groundbreaking role with Ulma, especially in times when administrative tasks are increasing due to a smaller team and at the same time demand from applicants is increasing. The team sees the need to address repetitive questions that are often time-consuming.

The implementation of the chatbot was not only designed to save resources, but also to promote user satisfaction. The target group primarily includes digital natives between the ages of 20 and 30 who expect intercultural context and multilingualism. Loud Kauz.ai The chatbot meets crucial criteria, especially thanks to an advanced NLU engine, to relieve employees and enable inquiries to be processed in real time.

Advantages and future prospects

Ulma's successful pilot phase has already led to the project being presented at various conferences nationwide and internationally. In addition, there is growing interest from other academic international offices and non-profit organizations who want to understand this pioneering role and perhaps take on it themselves. Ulm University is positioning itself not only as an innovator in higher education, but also as a strategic partner in the international educational landscape.

A more comprehensive look at the impact of artificial intelligence in higher education shows that technologies such as AI chatbots can not only increase efficiency, but also improve the learning experience through personalized and flexible offerings die-hochschullehre.de. With this project, Ulm University is setting a new standard that could also serve as a model for other institutions.