From the DaSCI Institute, and as part of the project IAFER – Ethical, Responsible and General-Purpose Artificial Intelligence: Applications in Risk Scenarios (Ref.: TSI-100927-2023-1), we present KAI AND WAT, a comic series designed to bring Artificial Intelligence (AI) closer to young people, educators, and the general public in an accessible, engaging, and educational way.
This initiative is part of the ENIA University-Industry Chairs, funded through the European Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan, with support from the European Union – Next Generation EU.
What is KAI AND WAT about?
The story begins in a special summer — that strange in-between moment when high school has ended but university hasn’t yet begun. Kai, the main character, faces an uncertain future, full of questions, excitement, and important decisions. What he doesn’t expect is that this summer will mark the beginning of an unexpected adventure, with Artificial Intelligence at its core.
Kai is not alone. He’s joined by his friends Jose, Alex, and Sofía, each with a different relationship to technology. And of course, there’s WAT (Wellness Analytic Technology), his personal assistant, health companion, and intelligent presence. WAT becomes the gateway to a world Kai is only beginning to understand: the world of AI.
One Story, Many Ways to Learn
The series consists of 12 chapters, which will be released progressively over the coming months. Each episode includes:
- A comic that tells an adventure related to AI.
- An explanatory text that expands on the technical and ethical aspects of the chapter.
- A selection of recommended readings and resources for further exploration.
- A didactic proposal designed for classroom use with school-aged students.
Why a Comic to Talk About AI?
Because comics are a powerful way to tell stories. They combine image and text, emotion and knowledge, narrative and information. They allow us to see and feel at the same time. And most importantly, they make complex topics like Artificial Intelligence approachable, human, and real.
AI is not just for scientists or programmers. It’s already part of our daily lives: in our phones, in the algorithms that recommend music or videos, in healthcare, education, security… even in decisions made for us without us realizing.
But alongside its incredible potential, AI also raises challenges, dilemmas, and risks. Who decides what an AI can or cannot do? How do we avoid bias? Can a machine make ethical decisions? What happens if it makes a mistake? Who is responsible for the decisions made by AI?
KAI AND WAT aims to open up these conversations — from a youthful, critical, and educational perspective.
👉 Follow the release of each chapter at: https://iafer.dasci.es/comic/
