In the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, digital humans are emerging as a fascinating development. These virtual beings are designed to enhance user interaction with AI systems. Through advanced technologies, they bring a human touch to machine interfaces.
The Rise of Digital Humans
Digital humans like Dex, a DJ and aspiring model, are captivating audiences with their lifelike appearances and interactions. Dex, designed by a UK startup, performs at shows around the globe as a holographic projection or on video screens, with mixes created by humans.
Utilising Unreal Engine for animation and motion-capture, alongside generative AI, Dex can remember information and respond to questions with a voice generated by AI. According to Denise Harris from the startup, Dex is unique in the performance space, capable of conversing and interacting about music.
Applications Beyond Performance
Last month, Dex showcased at Digital Fashion Weeks in New York, Paris, and Milan, modelling outfits by notable designers. For the Liverpool-based startup, Dex is a showpiece for more practical uses of digital humans. The company is developing avatars like ‘Shellie’, who can offer product information on websites, and ‘Arif’, a multilingual concierge for airports.
CEO Rob Sims believes digital humans can bridge the gap between AI technology and people. He states that once people start interacting with a digital human, they quickly accept and interact naturally.
AI’s Expansive Growth
Since the launch of ChatGPT by OpenAI in November 2022, generative AI has garnered significant attention. Huge datasets enable AI to generate conversational text outputs, resulting in record investment levels.
Notable releases include Google’s Bard (now Gemini) and Anthropic’s AI assistant Claude. These developments signify a trend towards making AI more accessible and human-like.
Companies like Sum Vivas are developing digital humans to humanise these AI interactions further.
Challenges and Opportunities
Concerns about AI’s potential impact on the job market are prevalent. Jennifer Ding from the Alan Turing Institute questions the skills being lost as we rely more on automated tools.
Despite fears, there are new opportunities in digital human design and development. Denise Harris emphasises that digital humans should work alongside human colleagues rather than replace them.
Rob Sims envisions digital humans becoming integral team members, offering unique benefits to businesses and their customers.
Broader Implications
US and New Zealand-based UneeQ has created digital humans for virtual sales and customer service roles. Their latest, Sama 2.0, assists passengers on Qatar Airways’ platforms.
Microsoft’s Azure software will also soon include features to create lifelike avatars from text prompts, enhancing user engagement with digital entities.
These advancements suggest a future where digital humans are a common feature in various sectors, enhancing customer interaction and service delivery.
A New Era of Interaction
As digital humans evolve, they promise to transform how we interact with technology. By providing a relatable, human-like interface, they make AI technologies more approachable and engaging.
The balance between automation and human touch will be key to their success, ensuring that digital humans enhance rather than detract from human experiences.
Digital humans represent a significant advancement in AI technology, offering relatable interfaces that can bridge the gap between humans and machines. As they become more integrated into various industries, their ability to humanise digital interactions will play a pivotal role in the future of AI. The success of digital humans will depend on their ability to complement human skills and enhance user experiences.
