Chinese state news agency unveils 'the world's first 3D AI anchor' after 'cloning' a human reporter
Chinese state news agency unveils 'the
world's first 3D AI anchor' after 'cloning' a human reporter
- Xinhua reveals its first AI-powered newsreader using 3D modelling
technology
- Footage shows the lifelike virtual presenter making her debut in a
virtual studio
- Developers said they 'cloned' the looks and actions of a journalist
at the agency
- The news outlet had introduced four 2D AI anchors before the latest
creation
China's state
news agency has revealed its first 3D AI-powered news anchor after replicating
the looks and the actions of a human journalist with cutting-edge technologies.
The virtual female presenter, branded as the world's first of its kind,
can move around smoothly and display complex facial expressions.
She can even change her outfits and hairstyles according to different
scenarios, a spokesperson said.
Beijing's
state media has revealed 'the world's first 3D AI news anchor' today after
'cloning' a human reporter with cutting edge technologies. The virtual
female presenter, branded as the world's first of its kind, can move around
smoothly and display complex facial expressions
Xinhua launched its first AI anchor in 2018 and had introduced four 2D
digital newsreaders before bringing in the latest creation.
Footage released by the outlet on Thursday shows the lifelike virtual
presenter nodding her head in emphasis and blinking as she speaks during her
debut at an animated broadcast studio.
She can be heard saying: 'I can be presenting while sitting, standing,
or walking around.
'I have flexible facial expressions, movements, and I can also change
hairstyles and clothes.
'In the future, I will appear on more news scenarios. My expressions and
movements will be improved and updated,' the virtual female reporter added.
The uncanny avatar, named Xin Xiaowei, was developed by Xinhua along
with Sogou, a Chinese technology company specialising in web search.
She was modelled after Zhao Wanwei, a reporter covering current affairs
for the news agency.
Images
released by the news agency show the human reporter, Ms Zhao, wearing a
data-collecting helmet while being attached with hundreds of cameras tracing
her movements and expressions.
Xinhua said that the virtual
journalist would be reporting news about the Two Sessions, China's largest
annual legislative meetings which started today.
The agency expected her to create a new and dynamic viewing experience
for their audience.
The Chinese
press agency developed its first pair of digital male
presenters, English-language anchor Zhang Zhao and his Chinese-language
counterpart Qiu Hao, in November, 2018.
In March last year, Xinhua unveiled its first female AI anchor, Xin
Xiaomeng, and used it to cover the Two Sessions.
The lifelike news anchor was tasked to present a story
about delegates arriving in Beijing to attend political
conferences.
Xinhua also developed a Russian-speaking AI anchor in June last year to
celebrate the 70th anniversary of China and Russia establishing diplomatic
relations.
Xinhua previously unveiled its first AI anchor (right) based on human
presenter Qiu Hao (left)
China has
become one of the leading global hubs for AI development in recent years.
The technology has been widely applied during the coronavirus outbreak
to help medics, patients and even prevent the spread of the virus .
Several fields such as finance, healthcare, and manufacturing also
adopted machine learning systems for commercial uses.
Automating workplaces in China with AI could add 0.8 to 1.4 per cent to
gross domestic product (GDP) growth annually, depending on the speed of
adoption, according to a report by McKinsey Global Institute.
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