Hello everyone,

The Les Fous du Robot team is pleased to present its innovative preliminary project: a video game designed to popularize Dominican archaeology among young audiences. The title is yet to be defined, but this project incorporates many aspects of our archaeological heritage. It is the result of a collaborative research effort carried out throughout the year by our robotics group. It is important to emphasize that AI only comes into play at the end of the research process (mid-February).

Here are the key stages of our investigation:

1. A tool for archaeologists
   Our students explored 3D design and 3D printing as tools to recreate archaeological artifacts. This hands-on approach marks the starting point of our thinking.
2. The magnetometer, a valuable ally
   Jules and his father, a shipwreck salvage specialist, demonstrated the importance of the magnetometer. This device detects not only metals but also any trace of human activity, even underground, through magnetic field disturbances. How does it work? How can we build one?
3. Preventing archaeological damage
   Our AI-assisted research, guided by our coach Edward, revealed that four Dominican archaeologists supervise construction projects across the country to prevent heritage damage. How can we help them? A prospective map that quantifies archaeological risks by construction zone (such as the Pedernales airport runway) would be a valuable tool. An autonomous robot equipped with a magnetometer could also facilitate excavations.
4. An interactive map of Dominican archaeology
   Inspired by the French magazine Science et Vie Spéciale Archéologie, our teacher Nicolas encouraged us to create a map compiling all archaeological information from the Dominican Republic, organized in five layers:
   1. Known Taíno sites
   2. Colonial-era remains (ruins or preserved objects)
   3. Awareness-raising locations (museums, private collections)
   4. Shipwreck map to guide research or underwater tourism
   5. Key contacts (historians, archaeologists, museum directors)
5. Strengthening the knowledge of our roots
   The works of Franck Moya Pons and Roberto Cassá, exchanges with archaeologist Wilton Khoury, and Abraham Almonte's videos (created with AI assistance) reinforced our conviction: it is essential to better understand our past. The discussion on the black market for Taíno objects and its consequences for historical truth led us to question Miguel Sánchez about current legislation and its effectiveness, compared to that of other countries.
6. An educational and collaborative video game
   The creativity of Carlos Miranda, a specialist in educational video games using AI, convinced us of this project's feasibility. The game will integrate the five layers mentioned and serve as an awareness tool for young people. A collaborative space, intended for schools and museums, will enrich this educational and playful platform, thus training more responsible citizens.

Several working sessions with Carlos Miranda, our AI specialist, made it possible to write the "prompt" intended for the AI to produce the game. Below you will find the link to the beta version. We welcome your feedback to improve it before our next competition on Saturday April 11 and Sunday April 12.

Not very accustomed to video games (unlike my children), I nevertheless embarked on the adventure with pleasure, fascinated but also aware of the immense power — and responsibilities — that AI represents.

A special thank you to Carlos Miranda, a student's father, for his invaluable collaboration.

Enjoy this weekend with your family to discover, appreciate, and why not, constructively critique this trial version.

Best regards,
Nicolas Droulers