ARFood: Pioneering Nutrition Education for Generation Alpha Through Augmented Reality and AI-Driven Serious Gaming

This paper introduces “ARFood,” a groundbreaking augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI) application tailored to revolutionize nutrition education for Generation Alpha. ARFood immerses users in a virtual supermarket shopping experience, guided by two AI characters: NutriBot, a hip-hop nutritionist robot, and CyberFlora, a new-age sustainability expert robot. These characters offer feedback on food choices based on nutritional value and environmental sustainability, promoting healthy and eco-conscious eating habits among middle school students. The application leverages the engaging potential of AR and the personalized interaction capabilities of AI to deliver scientifically accurate, age-appropriate educational content. This study examines the development, implementation, and preliminary impact of ARFood, highlighting its effectiveness in enhancing nutrition education and its potential as a model for future educational technologies. By bridging the gap between traditional education methods and the digital nativity of Generation Alpha, ARFood represents a significant step forward in adapting educational content to the preferences and needs of today’s youth.