Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Commons^™

Hybrid Server–Ai Architecture For Persistent Generative Game Worlds: Achieving Scalable, Consistent, And Low-Latency Interactive Environments, Jay Ratican, James Hutson

Faculty Scholarship

Generative artificial intelligence has demonstrated remarkable capabilities in real-time content creation for interactive entertainment, yet current implementations struggle with the persistence, consistency, and scalability demanded by modern multiplayer and long-form gaming environments. This paper presents a hybrid server–AI architecture that fuses the deterministic reliability of authoritative multiplayer server frameworks with the creative flexibility of state-aware generative systems. The proposed three-tier design consists of (1) a deterministic server backend leveraging technologies such as Unity Netcode for GameObjects, Unreal Engine 5’s dedicated servers, and Amazon GameLift to maintain authoritative and persistent world state; (2) a state-aware generative layer responsible for producing real-time …

Large Language Models As Machines Of Beauty: Cognitive Averaging, Latent Space Geometry, And The Entropic Foundations Of Aesthetic Preference, Daniel Plate, James Hutson

Faculty Scholarship

This study advances the position that large language models (LLMs) and human perceptual systems are governed by a shared computational drive toward prototypicality, entropy reduction, and aesthetic coherence. Drawing on developmental evidence that infants exhibit early preferences for facial symmetry and averageness, the analysis situates aesthetic preference within broader research on processing fluency and predictive coding, emphasizing that biological perception rewards stimuli that reduce uncertainty and support efficient information compression. This foundation is used to examine how LLMs, through cross-entropy optimization, perplexity minimization, and latent space clustering, converge on high-density representational regions that operate as statistical prototypes of linguistic and …

Composition Pedagogy As Ai‑Native Coding: From Design Kit To Scholarly Framework, Daniel Plate, James Hutson

Faculty Scholarship

This article advances a field-ready framework that reconceives first-year composition as AI-native coding, translating a complete “design kit” into scholarly method, evaluative protocol, and curriculum architecture. Background: Contemporary composition pedagogy emphasizes process, genre awareness, and collaborative revision; meanwhile, modern software practice operationalizes iteration through version control, test-driven development, and continuous integration. The uploaded kit demonstrates that these cultures are isomorphic: writing stages align with SDLC phases, and automated pipelines can lint prose, execute argument “tests,” and publish artifacts with auditable histories. Approach: The study systematizes that kit into (1) a conceptual map that recasts authorship as orchestration and verification, (2) …

From Prohibition To Preparation: Reframing Academic Integrity In The Age Of Ai, James Hutson

Faculty Scholarship

This study analyzes how U.S. universities reconfigure academic integrity during the 2024–2025 cycle in response to widespread generative AI adoption. The analysis foregrounds three loci: student ignorance and metacognitive blind spots; the expanded remit of Academic Integrity Officers prioritizing education over punishment; and deliberate AI-enabled misconduct that exposes the evidentiary limits of detection technologies. A mixed-methods design integrates a multi-site review at Arizona State University, Montclair State University, and Cornell University with synthesis of surveys, policies, and faculty development guidance. Findings show that detector outputs function as conversational prompts rather than adjudicative proof, necessitating dialogic resolution standards, process evidence, and …

The Pastor As Romantic Author: Ai, Preaching, And The Unacknowledged Inheritance Of Authenticity, Daniel Plate, James Hutson

Faculty Scholarship

This article interrogates contemporary reactions to sermons produced with generative technologies through a historical–conceptual lens, arguing that widespread judgments of such outputs as “soulless,” “generic,” or lacking a “beating heart” are best explained by an unacknowledged inheritance from nineteenth-century Romantic expressivism. Rather than treating resistance to machine authorship as a theological verdict on computational incapacity, the study reconstructs how Romanticism centered authorship in sincere self-expression and solitary genius, displacing earlier heraldic expectations that prized fidelity to a received message. Methodologically, the analysis combines intellectual history with discourse analysis of global Christian experiments in synthetic composition (2020–2025), denominational guidance, and media …

The God Prompt And Deus Ex Machina: Techno-Theological Tropes And Operational Metaphors In Generative Media, James Hutson

Faculty Scholarship

This study reframes two durable tropes—the ―God Prompt‖ and the deus ex machina—as analytic lenses for understanding how contemporary generative systems stage beginnings and endings of cultural production. The ―God Prompt‖ denotes command-driven synthesis in which minimal textual instructions instantiate content on demand, crystallizing a production loop of input, model execution, and post hoc evaluation that orients anticipation toward instantaneous yield and controllable variation. The deus ex machina names an externally imposed resolution that interrupts causal development—historically a crane-borne god, functionally an algorithmic override—thereby concentrating attention on closure mechanics rather than world-building continuity. Read together, the pair offers a compact …

Bridging Classical Rhetoric And Ai: A Systematic Framework For Developing Authorial Voice Through Large Language Models, Daniel Plate

Theses

This project addresses critical gaps in AI-assisted writing by developing the first systematic framework that integrates classical rhetorical principles with modern large language model capabilities for authorial voice development. The primary focus is on creating reliable methods for stylistic control through strategic AI collaboration rather than ad hoc prompting approaches. The project develops a comprehensive coding system for analyzing prose style, creates ten distinct authorial personas, and establishes a dual curation methodology that structures both stylistic analysis and content preparation. Implementation through the AI Writing Guide website provides practical tools including prompt templates, annotated examples, and instructional materials that demonstrate …

From Palimpsest To Prompt: Rewriting Shakespeare, Creative Authorship, And The Generative Logics Of Large Language Models In Contemporary Theatre, Michael Harding, James Hutson

Faculty Scholarship

This article examines the convergence of creative authorship, adaptation, and generative artificial intelligence within contemporary theatre, taking Michael Harding‘s Awake, Young King as a central case study. Through the rewriting of Shakespearean drama, Harding‘s creative process demonstrates how theatrical meaning emerges through ongoing negotiation among playwright, performer, and audience, with scripts historically subject to revision, improvisation, and reinterpretation. Concerns regarding copyright, intellectual property, and the role of AI in the performing arts are reframed as extensions of enduring debates over originality and authorship, rather than novel threats. Tracing the evolution from The Rise of James VI to Awake, Young King, …

Customizing Ai Strategies Across Multiple Generations, Matthew Harrer

Theses

This project investigates how artificial intelligence can help brands and marketers connect more effectively with Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z. The literature review lays the groundwork that focuses on consumer behaviors and the integration of AI into digital marketing practices for each generation. The second part of the project involves a secondary data analysis of 21 recent marketing surveys and reports that explores topics related to trust, personalization, and social media. By integrating the findings into an insightful guidebook, marketers will be able to maximize these insights into clear actionable strategies.

Digital Resurrection Of Thonis-Heracleion: Technological Advances In Underwater Archaeology And A Speculative Ai-Driven Reconstruction Methodology, James Hutson, Passent Chahine

Faculty Scholarship

This article synthesizes past archaeological research on the submerged Egyptian city of Thonis-Heracleion, critically reviewing excavations and technological interventions deployed since its rediscovery by Franck Goddio and the IEASM team. Situated approximately 10 meters beneath Aboukir Bay near Alexandria, the city represents a significant nexus of Greek and Egyptian cultural heritage, vividly documented in classical sources such as Herodotus and Strabo. Prior excavations have recovered temple complexes, colossal statues, ritual artifacts, and an extensive array of ancient shipwrecks, mapping only a fraction of the extensive site. These investigations utilized pioneering geophysical methods, including multibeam sonar, side-scan sonar, and photogrammetry, establishing …

From The Bleachers To The Browser: Redefining Fan Experience With Ar And Ai In Smaller Teams, Jennifer Lee Wunder

Theses

This project documents the creation and deployment of HootyHoo, an interactive augmented reality (AR) mascot experience designed for the O’Fallon Hoots, a small-scale collegiate summer baseball team. Built using accessible, open-source tools such as WebXR, Mixamo, Meshy, Botpress, Claude and ChatGPT, this prototype merges AI-driven conversation with animated 3D avatar interaction—redefining how fans engage with sports organizations digitally. Unlike enterprise-level applications used by professional franchises, HootyHoo is entirely browser-based, eliminating the need for app downloads and ensuring maximum accessibility for families and new fans with smartphones. The experience centers on Hooty, the team mascot, who answers questions about baseball and …

Simulating Chill: Exploring The Cognitive And Therapeutic Potential Of Cold Vr Environments, Jessica Turner, Piper Hutson, James Hutson

Faculty Scholarship

This study investigates the cognitive and therapeutic potential of immersive virtual reality (VR) environments designed to simulate cold conditions. Through the engagement of participants through multisensory stimuli—including vivid visual representations of the Athabasca Glacier, auditory effects of icy winds, and corresponding haptic feedback—the research evaluates neurological and physiological responses associated with attention, emotional regulation, and stress modulation. Participants experienced virtual scenarios featuring icy winds and snow, activating specific neurological pathways involving the occipital lobe, primary visual cortex, superior colliculus, and insula, thus reinforcing sensory integration. Through predictive coding, the anterior insula and hypothalamus were engaged, prompting thermoregulatory simulations and subconscious …

Ai & Xr Explorations To Support Social Interactions: Speculative Design For Ubiquitous Workplace Space By And For Neurodivergent Employees, Dominique Michaud, Alejandro Reyes, Jonathan Proulx Guimond, Fafadzi Akpene Agbe, Valérie Payen, Diane Gabrielle Tremblay, Marie Claude Leblanc, Claude Vincent, Geoffreyjen Edwards, Caroline Brassard, Marie Helene Parizeau, Valéry Psyche, Martin Caouette, James Hutson, Piper Hutson, Julie Ruel, Julien Voisin, Jocelyne Kiss

Faculty Scholarship

This study explores the potential of interdisciplinary theories and advanced technologies, such as augmented realities and artificial intelligence, to address the socio-professional integration challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals, particularly those on the autism spectrum. It investigates the design of personalized, functional spaces that integrate interconnected living environments and intelligent systems tailored to support communication needs. Using speculative design methodology, the research adopts an experiential framework to examine alternative solutions, starting with a central hypothesis and testing it through debates with researchers, experts, neurodivergent individuals, and knowledge users. The premise is rooted in the recognition that neurodivergent individuals encounter significant barriers …

Integrating Ai-Driven Neurofeedback With Brain-Computer Interfaces: A Paradigm For Effortless Learning And Workforce Transformation, James Hutson

Faculty Scholarship

This editorial discusses the merging of AI-driven neurofeedback with brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) to create a new model for effortless, unconscious learning. By interpreting and reinforcing specific neural patterns, these technologies can enable users to acquire skills without traditional instruction, making them especially valuable in fast-evolving industries. They also offer powerful tools for individuals with physical impairments by enabling control through thought alone. However, the author emphasizes the importance of ethical oversight, particularly around cognitive autonomy, data privacy, and consent. As the field matures, ongoing research and regulation will be essential to ensure responsible development and widespread, beneficial use.

The Fear Of Replacement: How Ai Panic In Journalism Mirrors Existential Crisis In Industry, James Hutson

Faculty Scholarship

This study systematically examines the portrayal of artificial intelligence (AI) errors, such as hallucinations and deepfakes, in journalistic contexts, evaluating whether these narratives reflect a broader existential anxiety about AI's role in reshaping journalism. Using a systematic literature review combined with a qualitative content analysis of recent AI-focused news reports, this study identifies recurring themes in media coverage to assess the accuracy and context of reported AI errors relative to actual technological limitations and affordances. Findings suggest that while AI errors are comparatively rare, they receive amplified coverage, often fueling public mistrust in AI technologies. Nevertheless, a balanced examination reveals …

Dictating The Divine: Revisiting Authorship, Intention, And Authority From Sacred Texts To Generative Ai, James Hutson, W. Travis Mcmaken

Faculty Scholarship

This article interrogates the historical practice of mediated authorship in religious texts to draw critical parallels with contemporary debates surrounding generative artificial intelligence (AI), specifically large language models (LLMs). By juxtaposing the mediated authorship of sacred texts, such as the Hebrew Bible and New Testament—where figures like the Apostle Paul dictated theological concepts to scribes who infused these directives with their interpretive insights—with the generative processes of LLMs, this research underscores the shared dynamics of co-constructed authorship across historical and technological contexts. Employing interdisciplinary methodologies from art history, textual studies, and reception theory, as well as theological and biblical studies, …

Development And Evaluation Of The Da Vinci Ai Tutor: Enhancing Accessibility And Personalized Learning In Art History Education, James Hutson, Tiffani Barner

Faculty Scholarship

This study examines the implementation of the Da Vinci AI Tutor, an innovative artificial intelligence (AI)-based tutoring platform designed specifically for enhancing personalized and accessible learning in art history within higher education. Launched in Fall 2024 at a private liberal arts institution in the Midwest, the system integrates a conversational AI avatar modeled after Leonardo da Vinci, incorporating immersive virtual reality environments and multimodal interaction capabilities to engage students across undergraduate survey courses, advanced Renaissance classes, and graduate comprehensive exam preparations. Addressing significant gaps in existing humanities education research, the current study explores two primary research questions: (i) How AI-driven …

Enhancing Metacognitive Competencies Through Human-Centered Ai: The Role Of Custom-Trained Intelligent Agents In Workforce Upskilling, James Hutson

Faculty Scholarship

This editorial examines the integration of human-computer intelligent interaction (HCII), specifically through human-centered artificial intelligence (AI) and custom-trained intelligent agents, to foster metacognitive competencies critical for workforce upskilling. With 59% of the workforce projected to require substantial upskilling by 2030, developing personalized AI models tailored to individual cognitive and learning profiles presents an innovative pathway. These custom-trained agents leverage human-computer interaction (HCI) technologies and machine learning methodologies to enhance understanding of one’s own learning processes-metacognition-thus empowering individuals to optimize their future learning and adaptability. This approach not only enhances the individual’s ability to engage effectively with complex tasks in the …

The Virtual Wunderkammer: Integrating Neuroinclusive Design And Ai-Augmented Technologies For Immersive Museum Experiences, Piper Hutson, James Hutson

Faculty Scholarship

The Virtual Wunderkammer represents an innovative paradigm in museum exhibition design, integrating neuroinclusive principles with artificial intelligence (AI)-augmented technologies to foster immersive and cognitively accessible visitor experiences. Historically, the Wunderkammer, or "cabinet of curiosities," served as a precursor to modern museums, offering eclectic collections that stimulated intellectual curiosity and sensory engagement. The contemporary reimagining of this concept utilizes emerging technologies such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), haptic feedback, and olfactory-enhanced digital environments to create personalized, adaptive museum experiences. This study explores the critical intersection of neuroaesthetics, cognitive science, and AI-driven interactivity in digital exhibitions, emphasizing their potential to …

Human-Ai Collaboration In Writing: A Multidimensional Framework For Creative And Intellectual Authorship, James Hutson

Faculty Scholarship

The integration of AI technologies into the writing process has significantly altered traditional notions of authorship, creativity, and intellectual labor. Historically, writing was seen as a human-driven cognitive and creative exercise, but with the rise of generative AI tools such as ChatGPT and Claude, the line between human and AI contributions has become increasingly ambiguous. This paper addresses the limitations of the current sliding scale model, which views AI involvement as ranging from “none” to “complete”. In its place, we propose a new multidimensional framework that more accurately reflects the complexity of human-AI collaboration in writing. The model includes axes …

The Evolution And Future Of Microservices Architecture With Ai-Driven Enhancements, Jill Willard, James Hutson

Faculty Scholarship

Microservices architecture has revolutionized software development by enabling the decomposition of monolithic applications into smaller, more manageable services. While this shift has reduced risks and enhanced system resiliency, the increasing complexity of managing numerous microservices presents new challenges. As Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to evolve, there is a growing need to explore how autonomous AI agents can optimize microservices architectures, particularly in terms of communication and workflow orchestration. The purpose of this study is to investigate how AI agents can autonomously interact and manage microservices, reducing human intervention and enhancing system efficiency. The key research question guiding this investigation relates …

Navigating Copyright In Ai-Enhanced Game Design: Legal Challenges In Multimodal And Dynamic Content Creation, Andrew Begemann, James Hutson

Faculty Scholarship

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in video game design has transformed traditional workflows, allowing for the generation of text, images, music, videos, and code at unprecedented scales. However, this advancement presents complex challenges for copyright law, traditionally rooted in human originality and authorship. This article examines recent case law that underscores the evolving legal landscape, exploring landmark cases such as Zarya of the Dawn and Andersen v. Stability AI. These cases reveal the tensions between AI-generated outputs and copyright eligibility, especially in the dynamic, multimodal compositions inherent to video games. The review analyzes how various AI tools are employed …

The Evolving Role Of Copyright Law In The Age Of Ai-Generated Works, James Hutson

Faculty Scholarship

Objective: to identify the prospects and directions of copyright law development associated with the increasing use of generative artificial intelligence.

Methods: the study is based on the formal-legal, comparative, historical methods, doctrinal analysis, legal forecasting and modeling.

Results:the article states that the emergence of generative artificial intelligence makes one rethink the processes occurring in the field of creative activity and the traditional copyright system, which becomes inadequate to modern realities. The author substantiates the necessity of legal reassessment of copyright and emphasizes the urgent need for updated means of copyright protection. Unlike previous digital tools, which expanded …

The Algorithm Of Fear: Unpacking Prejudice Against Ai And The Mistrust Of Technology, James Hutson, Daniel Plate

Faculty Scholarship

The mistrust of AI seen in the media, industry and education reflects deep-seated cultural anxieties, often comparable to societal prejudices like racism and sexism. Throughout history, literature and media have portrayed machines as antagonists, amplifying fears of technological obsolescence and identity loss. Despite the recent remarkable advancements in AI—particularly in creative and decision-making capacities—human resistance to its adoption persists, rooted in a combination of technophobia, algorithm aversion, and cultural narratives of dystopia. This review investigates the origins of this prejudice, focusing on the parallels between current attitudes toward AI and historical resistance to new technologies. Drawing on examples from popular …

From Concept To Creation: The Role Of Generative Artificial Intelligence In The New Age Of Digital Marketing, Andrew Smith, James Hutson

Faculty Scholarship

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been extensively used in digital marketing. Still, the recent advances in generative AI (GAI) have revolutionized social media marketing and content creation, lowering barriers that once restricted high-quality design to professionals well versed in expensive and complex software like Adobe Suite. GAI tools enable anyone, from students to marketers, to generate logos, branding, and multimedia content without extensive training. This shift has empowered more people to engage in creative expression, expanding the pool of ideas and creativity. However, the abundance of AI-generated content raises questions about the evolving definition of “art” and the emergence of a …

Algotric: Symmetric And Asymmetric Encryption Algorithms For Cryptography – A Comparative Analysis In Ai Era, Naresh Kshetri, Mir Mehedi Rahman, Md Masud Rana, Omar Faruq Osama, James Hutson

Faculty Scholarship

The increasing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) within cybersecurity has necessitated stronger encryption methods to ensure data security. This paper presents a comparative analysis of symmetric (SE) and asymmetric encryption (AE) algorithms, focusing on their role in securing sensitive information in AI-driven environments. Through an in-depth study of various encryption algorithms such as AES, RSA, and others, this research evaluates the efficiency, complexity, and security of these algorithms within modern cybersecurity frameworks. Utilizing both qualitative and quantitative analysis, this research explores the historical evolution of encryption algorithms and their growing relevance in AI applications. The comparison of SE and AE …

Video Game Development 3.0: Ai-Driven Collaborative Co-Creation, Jay Ratican, James Hutson

Faculty Scholarship

The evolution of game development has transitioned from manual coding (Software 1.0) to data-driven Artificial Intelligence (AI) (Software 2.0), and now to a more advanced stage—video game development 3.0. This phase is characterized by AI-driven processes leveraging large language models (LLMs), neural networks, and other AI techniques that autonomously generate code, content, and narratives. This paper explores the foundational technologies underpinning this paradigm shift, including customizable AI modules, dynamic asset creation, and intelligent non player characters (NPCs) that adapt to player interactions. It also highlights the integration of AI with emerging technologies like Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and …

Exploring The Cognitive Sense Of Self In Ai: Ethical Frameworks And Technological Advances For Enhanced Decision-Making, Emily Barnes, James Hutson

Faculty Scholarship

The burgeoning field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) increasingly focuses on developing systems capable of self-awareness, merging technological innovation with deep ethical and philosophical considerations. This article explores the cognitive sense of self within AI, examining mechanisms through which AI systems may mirror human-like consciousness and self-perception. Despite significant advances, substantial gaps remain in the understanding and practical implementation of self-aware characteristics in AI, particularly in applying theoretical models and ethical frameworks to real-world scenarios. There is a pressing need for comprehensive research to explore these theoretical underpinnings and translate them into operational systems capable of ethical and adaptable behaviors. This …

Enhancing Assessment And Feedback In Game Design Programs: Leveraging Generative Ai For Efficient And Meaningful Evaluation, James Hutson, Ben Fulcher, Jay Ratican

Faculty Scholarship

The integration of generative AI tools in game design education offers promising ways to streamline the grading, assessment, and feedback processes that are typically labor-intensive. In game design programs, faculty often deal with varied file formats, including 3D models, executable prototypes, videos, and complex game design documents. Traditional methods of assessment and feedback, primarily text-based, struggle to provide timely and actionable insights for students. Furthermore, only a small percentage of top students consistently review and apply feedback, leading to inefficiencies. This article explores how generative AI tools can augment these processes by automating aspects of grading, generating more personalized and …

Fail Fast, Fail Small: Designing Resilient Systems For The Future Of Software Engineering, Jill Willard, James Hutson

Faculty Scholarship

The principles of "fail fast, fail small" have emerged as critical in modern software and system design. By planning for minor, manageable failures instead of catastrophic breakdowns, developers can ensure that systems degrade gracefully, maintaining functionality even when encountering issues. This article delves into strategies for designing resilient systems, beginning with the concept of slow degradation and distributed systems that prioritize core functions while allowing non-critical components to fail without significant user impact. The Netflix recommendation engine serves as a prime example of a system that continues to operate under failure conditions. Chaos engineering, a proactive methodology for stress-testing system …