Meet the New AI-Powered 'Digital Humans' at Cannes Lions
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Overview of Machines and Humanizing Computing
- Virtual Human Models and Face-to-Face Interactions
- Applications of Virtual Humans in Advertising and Marketing
- Benefits of Emotional Engagement with Digital Humans
- Demonstration of Virtual Baby X
- Neural Networks and Sensing Environment
- Emotional Models and Swiss System
- Interactive Brain and Real-time Learning
- Application of Cognitive Models for Adult Virtual Humans
- Configuring Emotional Models and Facial Expressions
- Difference between Programming and Cognitive Systems in Virtual Humans
Article: Humanizing Computing with Virtual Humans
In today's world, technology is advancing rapidly, and one of the most exciting fields of innovation is the development of virtual humans. These virtual beings aim to humanize computing and Create a bridge between humans and machines. By building biologically inspired cognitive architectures, developers can create virtual human models that enable face-to-face interactions with computers, similar to the way we interact with other people.
Virtual humans have found unique applications in various industries, including advertising and marketing. In these domains, virtual humans, often referred to as digital humans, can embody a brand personality. They bring brands to life by animating official spokespersons or even non-human characters. This groundbreaking technology allows for emotionally engaging interactions with customers, resulting in unprecedented levels of engagement and brand affinity.
To understand the potential of virtual humans, let's take a closer look at a fascinating project called Baby X. Baby X is a virtual baby that is animated entirely by neural networks and possesses the ability to Sense its environment. By using advanced cognitive models, Baby X can Interact with its surroundings, including responding to external stimuli and identifying human faces. Moreover, Baby X exhibits its emotional responses, with a range of emotions modeled from virtual oxytocin to virtual cortisol.
The complexity of Baby X's neural network circuits enables Attention mechanisms and real-time learning. These Simplified brain models drive different parts of the system, such as the attention system, which determines what Baby X focuses on. By observing Baby X's eye movements, we can see how its neural network circuits respond to external stimuli, directing its eyeballs to follow movement and signals of interest. The interactive brain model of Baby X allows for a deeper understanding of its processes, from oculomotor nuclei firing to the impact of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, on learning and behavior.
Baby X's capabilities extend beyond just reacting to the environment; it also learns and adapts over time. Through iterative processes, Baby X can learn to Read and recognize objects. For instance, it can be shown objects and prompted to identify them, simulating a learning experience similar to that of a child. This adaptability Speaks to the versatility of virtual humans, as the same underlying technology can be applied to create adult models, such as virtual assistants or teachers.
When using virtual humans for branding purposes, it is essential to Align their personalities with the brand's identity. Digital humans possess their own emotional models that can be configured to exhibit specific behaviors. Furthermore, their facial expressions can be precisely controlled, enabling emotional nuances that resonate with the brand's message. By manipulating facial features and expressions, marketers can Evoke desired emotional responses from the audience, much like playing sad or joyful notes on a musical instrument.
It is worth noting the distinction between programming and cognitive systems in the Context of virtual humans. While programming focuses on coding specific instructions, cognitive systems allow for the modeling of emotional behavior. In virtual humans, we use the sliders to manipulate facial muscles, acting as the strings of an instrument. The cognitive system determines the Type of expression displayed, equivalent to playing different notes on a piano. This dynamic approach to human-machine interaction expands the vocabulary of emotional expression, revolutionizing human-computer communication.
In conclusion, the field of virtual humans presents endless possibilities for humanizing computing. By leveraging biologically inspired cognitive architectures, developers can create virtual human models capable of fostering face-to-face interactions with computers. The applications of virtual humans extend to advertising and marketing, where digital humans embody brand personalities and engage customers on an emotional level. Projects like Baby X showcase the intricate neural networks and cognitive models that drive virtual humans' behaviors. As this technology evolves, it holds great potential for creating Meaningful connections between humans and machines.
Highlights:
- Virtual humans aim to humanize computing and bridge the gap between humans and machines.
- The use of biologically inspired cognitive architectures drives the development of virtual human models capable of face-to-face interactions.
- Virtual humans find applications in advertising and marketing, where they embody brand personalities and create unprecedented levels of engagement.
- Baby X, a virtual baby powered by neural networks, exhibits emotional responses and real-time learning capabilities.
- Virtual humans provide precise control over their facial expressions, enabling nuanced emotional engagement with audiences.
- The distinction between programming and cognitive systems in virtual humans enhances emotional expression and fosters effective human-computer interaction.
FAQ
Q: What are virtual humans?
A: Virtual humans are computer-generated models designed to humanize computing and enable face-to-face interactions between humans and machines.
Q: How are virtual humans used in advertising and marketing?
A: In advertising and marketing, virtual humans, also known as digital humans, can embody a brand's personality, engaging customers on an emotional level and creating unprecedented levels of brand affinity.
Q: How do virtual humans like Baby X operate?
A: Virtual humans like Baby X are powered by neural networks and possess the ability to sense and respond to their environment. They exhibit emotional responses and can learn and adapt over time.
Q: How can virtual humans' facial expressions be controlled?
A: Virtual humans' facial expressions can be precisely controlled using sliders that manipulate facial muscles. This allows for nuanced emotional engagement and precise alignment with a brand's identity.
Q: How do virtual humans differ from traditional programming?
A: Virtual humans incorporate cognitive systems that model emotional behavior, enabling dynamic human-machine interactions. This goes beyond traditional programming, which focuses on specific instructions.
