ProfeBot: A Low-Cost Generative AI Assistant for Earthquake Engineering Education in Latin America

ProfeBot: A Low-Cost Generative AI Assistant for Earthquake Engineering Education in Latin America

This white paper presents ProfeBot, a low-cost multimodal scientific assistant designed to support education, research, and knowledge dissemination in the field of earthquake engineering. Developed by THEK Research Institute and Universidad de Guayaquil, the system combines Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI), domain-specialized prompt engineering, and real-time text-to-speech synthesis to provide accessible scientific assistance using conventional computing resources.

The document analyzes the technological challenges faced by Latin American universities in accessing advanced AI-based educational tools and proposes a scalable alternative that can be deployed with minimal infrastructure investment. ProfeBot is specifically focused on seismic engineering, earthquake-resistant design, structural dynamics, applied geophysics, and related scientific disciplines.

The white paper describes the conceptual framework, system architecture, operational model, and institutional implications of implementing specialized AI assistants in higher education. It also discusses the role of prompt engineering as a mechanism for thematic restriction, scientific rigor, and institutional knowledge transfer.

A proposed evaluation methodology is presented, including usability assessment, technical accuracy analysis, and cost-benefit comparison against commercial AI solutions. The document further explores the potential impact of low-cost AI systems on educational accessibility, scientific democratization, and resilience-oriented engineering training in developing countries.

Keywords

Generative AI Earthquake Engineering Engineering Education Prompt Engineering Scientific Assistants Latin America

THEK Research Institute · SCIENCE · RESILIENCE · FUTURE