The laboratory

Research connecting culture and technology.

Maindh_Lab is Università Politecnica delle Marche’s interdisciplinary laboratory for cultural heritage, digital technologies and the responsible use of artificial intelligence.

From knowledge
to sharing.

Heritage has cultural, social and educational value.

Our mission is to study, protect and share heritage in new, inclusive and participatory ways. Bringing different areas of expertise together allows us to address the whole process: data acquisition, interpretation, conservation, enhancement and communication.

Research meets institutions, cultural organisations, businesses and communities. This is our contribution to the university’s Third Mission: turning scientific knowledge into shared value.

What we do

Developing AI.
Building digital knowledge.

01

Artificial intelligence

We develop algorithms, train and integrate AI models: computer vision, multimodal and business data analysis, LLMs, chatbots and avatars, with validation of results and human supervision.

02

Survey and 3D heritage

Laser scanning, photogrammetry and geomatics turn buildings, artefacts and places into accurate digital representations: from point clouds to digital twins.

03

Experiences and communication

Virtual, augmented and mixed reality, gigapixel images and digital museums make heritage explorable. We design accessible experiences for institutions, communities and visitors.

AI engineering & development

From data to useful tools.

Data preparation and management, model training and customisation, generative and LLM pipelines, programming and software integration. Validation, testing, interpretability and human-in-the-loop approaches guide solution development.

Applications include artwork recognition and analysis, 3D digitisation, chatbots and avatars, historical reconstruction and site monitoring. Expertise developed for cultural heritage extends to design, advanced craftsmanship and manufacturing.

Tools and methods

Document. Interpret. Bring to life.

Data capture and survey

Terrestrial and mobile laser scanners, aerial and terrestrial photogrammetry, GNSS positioning, panoramic and ultra-high-resolution photography.

Models and management

Point clouds, survey-based 3D models, virtual reconstructions, digital anastylosis and BIM/HBIM information systems for knowledge and conservation.

Access and evaluation

Virtual and mixed reality headsets, interactive devices, eye tracking and tools for studying usability, interaction and visitor experience.

International recognition

Research that makes a difference.

Laboratory projects recognised by AVICOM, ICOM’s international committee for audiovisual and digital technologies in museums.

F@IMP 2019 · Interpretive exhibition installation

Digital Library MANaM

Award and video

F@IMP 2021–2022 · Virtual reality

The Queen’s Tomb at Sirolo-Numana

Award and video

F@IMP 2024–2025 · Installation · inclusion and sustainability

Before the Via Flaminia – A Journey with the Warriors

Award and video

F@IMP 2024–2025 · Mobile application · education and interpretation

Suasa Experience – Ancient City, Smart Future

Award and video

Research and collaboration

Research and AI,
new possibilities.

We collaborate with museums, public bodies, cultural institutions and businesses. Contact the laboratory to discuss a heritage project, an AI application or a data analysis programme.

p.clini@univpm.it
All contact details

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