In modern times, the use of virtual humans is advancing, expanding their potential in various scenarios such as real estate sales and pharmacy reception.
The evolution of virtual humans and corporate initiatives
Recently, the development of digital humans powered by generative AI technology has been progressing. With companies applying this technology to real-world operations. For instance, Senshukai, which operates the online shopping service “Belmeson.” Recently announced its use of virtual humans as part of its entry into the housing market. The company plans to collaborate with “Lib Work,” headquartered in Kumamoto Prefecture, to integrate AI tecno into its own brand of residential property sales. This will allow customers to access detailed housing information from home and conduct consultations for home loans (POLITICO) (Fierce Electronics).
The market size and future outlook of virtual humans
According to a survey by NEC, the domestic market size for digital humans was approximately 30 billion yen as of last year. However, with advancements in generative AI technology, it is expected to reach 100 billion yen within this year and potentially 1.3 trillion yen by the 12th year of the Reiwa era. This growth is driven by the increasing adoption across various sectors. For example, TV Hokkaido experimented with an AI-powered avatar as a weather presenter last November. Additionally, the Miraikan (National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation) is using virtual humans for displays in its retail section.
Challenges and future prospects of digital humans
The technology behind virtual humans is still evolving, and there are remaining challenges. “CONN,” developed by NTT Communications, is a digital avatar capable of replicating expressions and gestures in great detail. In May of this year, it was showcased in collaboration with Fujiyaku, promoting its potential use in pharmacies. However, there are still challenges, such as response speed in conversations, and its implementation in physical stores is not yet decided. An NTT Communications representative expressed their commitment to advancing the technology to help address labor shortages. As virtual humans technology continue to evolve and become more practical, it is expected to have a significant impact on our lives.
- The use of virtual humans is advancing and being introduced in areas such as housing sales and pharmacy receptions.
- According to NEC, the domestic market size is projected to grow to 1.3 trillion yen by the 12th year of the Reiwa era.
- NTT Communications’ “CONN” is currently under technological development to overcome existing challenges.
✍️Senshukai: A company that operates the e-commerce service “Bell Maison.” For more details, visit the official Senshukai website.
✍️Lib Work: A housing sales company headquartered in Kumamoto Prefecture. For more details, visit the official Lib Work website.
✍️NEC: A company that conducted market size research on digital humans. For more details, visit the official NEC website.
✍️NTT Communications: A company that developed the digital human “CONN.” For more details, visit the official NTT Communications website.
✍️Fujiyakuin: A company considering the introduction of digital humans in pharmacies. For more details, visit the official Fujiyakuin website.
