AI conductor sends bus stop guidance and tourist information through GPS linkage. Free voice dialogue is also possible
AI realized by the system of AI voice dialogue avatar "AI Avatar AOI" provided by Advanced Media Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Toshima-ku, Tokyo, Chairman and President: Kiyoyuki Suzuki, hereinafter referred to as "Advanced Media") Conductor “Shuonji Kiyohira” will be introduced to self-driving buses in Kamishihorocho, Hokkaido from April 2024, 4 (Monday).
This time, under the supervision of Spicebox Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo, hereinafter referred to as Spicebox), TRIBALCON. We are doing
AI conductor “Shuonji Kiyohira”
The town of Kamishihoro is working to improve community communication to address the issue of decreasing opportunities for conversation in cars, which would occur in the future when autonomous driving becomes possible in the future with the realization of level 4 autonomous driving. We were considering introducing a conversational AI that would revitalize the company and be easy to accept and approach even by the elderly. Under such circumstances, we have the No. 1 share in the domestic market.#2The AI voice dialogue avatar "AI Avatar AOI", which utilizes AI voice recognition AmiVoice and has been introduced in other local governments, has been highly evaluated for its high dialogue ability, and has been decided to be installed on self-driving buses in Kamishihoro Town. This is the first local government in Japan to introduce an AI conductor to a self-driving bus.#1.
Controlled ChatGPT provides more accurate answers
This time, by linking the GPS function and the "AI Avatar AOI" system, we have realized automatic voice guidance of bus stops and surrounding information. In addition, the voice interaction function allows passengers to freely interact with the AI conductor on a tablet installed inside the train and obtain more detailed information about the area surrounding the bus stop.
In addition, the AI selects appropriate answers from a character document set to avoid inappropriate words and a controlled database by inputting information related to the character and Kamishihoro Town, resulting in more accurate answers. Allows for answers.
Furthermore, if the AI conductor gives an unintended answer, the user can freely add or edit information and update surrounding information for guidance from the management screen.
TRIBALCON. supervised the overall character settings, including the UI and animation of the AI conductor "Hagionshi Seihei." We use Live2D, an expression technology that adds three-dimensional animation to 2D illustrations, to achieve smoother movement.
The voice synthesis was developed by Advanced Media based on the voice actors' recorded voices. Furthermore, by letting the AI select the characters' facial expressions and gestures, it is possible to have visually natural dialogues, such as showing how the characters are thinking when asked by passengers and answering them with a smile.
In an effort to resolve the human resource shortage caused by the declining birthrate and aging population, Advanced Media is spreading the conversational AI "AI Avatar AOI" across the country and promoting communication as unmanned and labor-saving technologies progress in various industries. We will strive to revitalize and improve convenience.
About the functions of the AI conductor
1. Information on the surrounding area of the bus stop
In conjunction with the GPS function, it provides automatic voice guidance about bus stops and surrounding areas. By setting the location information of the bus stop, the app will provide voice guidance with information on the next bus stop, regular recommended information, town events, and information on paid advertising spaces. The timing of the voice guidance can be set by specifying the position by GPS or by time.
2. AI voice dialogue
In addition to providing information on the surrounding area of the bus stop, you can enjoy free conversation with the AI conductor. AI selects appropriate responses from a character document, which is set to input information related to characters and users to avoid inappropriate conversations, and from a controlled ChatGPT database, allowing for more accurate and appropriate responses. We will realize the answer.
3. AI special features
In order to create a sense of familiarity with bus users, we have special communication functions such as the AI conductor singing one-phrase songs, tongue twisters related to Kamishihoro Town, and rock-paper-scissors.
About self-driving buses
Capacity: 11 people (excluding crew) Operating speed: Maximum less than 20km/h Operating days: [Roadside station circulation line] Mondays, Thursdays, Saturdays [West Danchi/Kita Danchi Circulation Line] Mondays, Thursdays |
AI conductors will be installed on all days of the week and on all routes from April 2024, 4 (Monday).
As a means to utilize ICT to address public transportation issues caused by the declining birthrate and aging population, we have conducted demonstration experiments in stages, starting with Hokkaido's first public road demonstration of self-driving buses in 2017. We will begin regular service at level 2022 autonomous driving in December 12, and aim to achieve level 2 autonomous driving in some sections by the end of 2024.
About AI voice dialogue avatar “AI Avatar AOI”
1. AI automates customer service. Available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Customer support can be handled unattended 24 hours a day, 365 days a year through AI voice dialogue. It contributes to reducing the number of man-hours required to respond to inquiries, resolving labor shortages in companies, and strengthening customer contact in a remote environment. Depending on the content of the conversation, it may be possible to arrange for a manned response.
2. Reproduce the character with ChatGPT x unique dialogue system.
By linking our unique dialogue system with OpenAI's conversation generation AI "ChatGPT", we will achieve higher quality AI dialogue. We can respond in a flexible and versatile manner while recreating the personality, mannerisms, and phrasing of the original character. It is also possible to change the appearance of the avatar and customize the voice synthesis according to the user.
3. Multi-device compatible
You can choose from a variety of devices depending on your purpose and use, including VR/Metaverse, digital signage, and tablets. Furthermore, on the social VR app "VRChat", it is possible to have AI avatars express various emotions and provide guidance while moving around the world.
Four. Easily check and edit dialogue content with a simple management screen
You can check and edit the voice recognition results and automatic response contents from the management screen. Analyzing the data can also be used for marketing purposes.
Five. Multilingual support (subtitle system)
In addition to Japanese, you can now speak in English, Chinese, and other languages. Voice recognition is performed in real time and characters respond to questions in multiple languages. The character's responses are displayed as subtitles in real time according to the set language, so the character's unique Japanese nuances, speaking style, and mannerisms are preserved, and the characteristics of the content are preserved using a system similar to movie subtitles. It supports multiple languages.
■AI voice dialogue avatar “AI Avatar AOI” product page
https://www.advanced-media.co.jp/products/service/ai-avatar-aoi
*1 According to our research, as of March 2024, as "Introduction of AI conductors to self-driving buses operated by local governments"
*2 Source: ecarlate “Speech Recognition Market Trends 2023” Speech Recognition Software/Cloud Service Market
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■About Kamishihoro Town
Located in the northern part of the Tokachi region of Hokkaido, it is a lush town with a population of approximately 5,000 people and an area of approximately 23 square kilometers, which is larger than the 700 wards of Tokyo, with 76% of the area covered by forests. It is also known as the ``hot air balloon town'' where Japan's first hot air balloon competition was held. In recent years, our sustainable efforts centering on Japan's top-level dairy farming, which utilizes ICT technology such as biogas power generation, local production and local consumption of energy, and the implementation of self-driving buses and drone delivery, have been recognized at the XNUMXth SDGs Awards. Received the Cabinet Secretary's Award. We are also working to create a related population by accepting telework and workcations at the Kamishihoro Share Office and the Corporate Accommodation Exchange Facility/Nippo no Ie.
■About Spice Box Co., Ltd.
A communication company that helps foster goodwill and empathy for companies and brands. Founded in 2003 as Japan's first digital agency. We provide branding support for various companies. Since smartphones and social media have become commonplace, our strength lies in designing and providing "engagement communication" measures that resonate with "consumers," and we work with various creators and analysts to handle everything from research to content planning, production, and dissemination. We will support you all the way through.
■About TRIBALCON. Co., Ltd.
Established in 2015 as a group company of BALCOLONY., a creative team that focuses on graphic design for the entertainment industry. Utilizing my experience and track record in the entertainment business, I will demonstrate my strengths in the creative field in order to maintain high-quality communication with fans of my works.
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