TCS and Microsoft Switzerland launch browser game Odyssai

A mobility club that explains artificial intelligence? That really is a novelty. From March 17, the innovative browser game Odyssai will allow Swiss citizens to discover their homeland in a completely new way. On their virtual journey through the country, they build up key AI skills - from data analysis and image recognition to ethical issues surrounding data protection and automation. In an entertaining way, the game shows how artificial intelligence can make mobility safer, more efficient and more sustainable.

Together with the friendly AI ibex "Bocki", players embark on a virtual journey of discovery through Switzerland. Witty dialogs and quizzes reveal surprising Swiss secrets. Who would have thought that the Matterhorn has African roots? Or that a simple pressure relief valve could become a tourist magnet?

Digital security starts with competence

"Digital security starts with competence. Those who understand AI can use it safely and independently," says Primo Amrein, AI Skills Director at Microsoft Switzerland. "We don't see AI as an abstract technology, but as a tool that empowers people in their decisions. With Odyssai, we wanted to show how AI can provide guidance in complex systems. Mobility is the perfect context for this: it makes conflicts of objectives, dependencies and effects directly tangible - and therefore also the responsible use of AI."

Bernhard Bieri, Director of the Touring Club Switzerland, adds: "With Odyssai, we have co-developed a game that makes the opportunities of AI and the diversity of mobility visible and shows how AI can support the choice of means of transport, for example. This is also in line with the values of the TCS and our commitment to self-determined mobility."

Rethinking mobility

The AI skills are linked to the topic of mobility on the virtual journey. Players have to set priorities: Time, money or saving energy? The train is fast, but more expensive. The bike is sustainable, but slower. What counts more? Random obstacles provide unexpected twists and turns: End up on the wrong train? The bike has a flat tire? Now it's time to improvise. Anyone who plays Odyssai realizes that mobility is not just about getting around, but about quality of life.

In between, quizzes and mini-games challenge skill and logical thinking, from street puzzles to platformers. "The learning process with Odyssai is intuitive. This allows people to understand how the underlying artificial intelligence algorithms work and how systems learn," says Primo Amrein. "Without any technical jargon - but with a clear understanding of how AI supports everyday life."

AI as a helpful passenger

Odyssai makes it possible to experience the responsible use of AI technologies: "AI is as helpful as a good passenger: it can give tips, but the steering wheel is in our hands," says Amrein. In relaxed, humorous dialogues and quizzes, players learn that while AI can recognize patterns, make predictions and provide support, the final decision is always up to humans. This turns mobility into an educational moment.

TCS contributed its expertise on the various forms of mobility. In Odyssai, players playfully discover the typical differences between modes of transport - for example in terms of time, costs or energy requirements - and choose between bike, car or public transport depending on the situation. In this way, TCS underlines its commitment to diverse and situation-appropriate mobility, presented in a deliberately simplified model.

Technological innovation with social relevance

When players encounter traffic jams, roadworks or speed limits, the benefits of AI become immediately apparent: AI helps to recognize dangers and obstacles at an early stage. "Odyssai combines technological depth with real everyday benefits. Mobility is part of everyday life. This makes the game real, relevant and credible," says Primo Amrein.

Odyssai is designed as a non-profit initiative and sets new standards in digital education. The game can be downloaded free of charge at https://odyssai.ch/ be played.

Odyssai.ch is a joint initiative of the Touring Club Switzerland and Microsoft Switzerland and is implemented by Leiseder Kommunikation & Marketing.