The World of Digital Humans: Where AI Meets Realism
In the present (high-tech) time where Technology progressions are happening amazingly, Digital Humans are becoming the Next Big thing where AI (Artificial Intelligence) meets Realism. These Virtual lifelike Humans look very real and are set to change Industries by providing awesome User Experiences and opening up lots of Possibilities.
Let’s dive into the world of Digital Humans and understand more about them.
What are Digital Humans?
We can understand, What a Digital Human is through a simple definition
“A Digital Human, commonly referred to as a Virtual Human, is a highly Advanced and lifelike AI-driven model (or entity) that recreates or replicates Human-like Appearance, Behavior, and Interactions with Remarkable Authenticity. These entities are designed to emulate the lifelike Human experience”
Digital Humans go beyond traditional Avatars or Chatbots by offering a unique blend of Realism, Interactivity, and Emotional Intelligence. They are characterized by their ability to engage with us in a more Natural and Intuitive manner, creating Personalized and Emotionally Deep / Strong Experiences. The Quality / Feature of a Digital Human is its Compelling Resemblance to a real Human in terms of Appearance and Behavior.
Digital Humans have found applications in various Domains, including Customer Service, Healthcare, Education, Entertainment, Media, Marketing, and more. They have emerged as an instrument in enhancing User Experiences, Human-Computer Interactions, and the way Businesses and Individuals engage with technology.
Digital Human Market Size
As per Gartner Research Excerpt Emerging Tech Impact Radar 2023 report, under which Four Themes has been defined to cover the Important Emerging Technologies that Product Leaders must explore to Capitalize on Market Opportunities.
This report has recommended Product Leaders assessing the impact of Emerging Technology and it’s trends on Products and Services should Calibrate their Investment in “Smart World” foundations within which Digital Human (AI Avatars) is one of the Key Technology
Gartner anticipates that by 2027, a significant number of Chief Marketing Officers (CMOs) in B2C enterprises will Allocate Specific Funds for Incorporating Digital Humans into their Metaverse Experiences.
Likewise, If we go through various Industry Analyst reports like Emergen Research, Allied Market Research, Market.us we will learn that the Global Digital Human / Avatar Market Size / Share is going to be USD 400–500 billion by 2032.
The Expansion of the Market is primarily driven by the Increasing Integration of Virtual / Digital Humans / Avatars across diverse sectors, encompassing Gaming, Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), Social Media, and E-Commerce.
A significant Catalyst for the Digital Humans / Avatars market is the Gaming Industry, where these Avatars serve as digital representation of Players, contributing to a more Immersive and engaging Gaming Experience.
With the wider adoption and market growths in E-Commerce sector, where Digital Humans play a role in enhancing the overall Personalized Shopping Experience, particularly as Online Shopping continues to gain popularity.
Additionally, the surge in the use of Social Media is rocketing the demand for Digital Humans, serving as Digital Avatar of a Customer and Lifelike Virtual Influencers on Social Platforms for users to Engage with others in a more Personalized manner.
Before proceeding further, I would like switch gears by briefly touching an interesting area — ‘3D Animation Production Pipeline’ to make ourselves familiar with what it is all about. This will help in building some contextual understanding.
3D Animation Production Pipeline
Purpose
3D Animation Production Pipelines are essential for Businesses in multiple fields. They bring Characters and Worlds to life in Entertainment content, like Movies and Video Games. In Advertising and Marketing, these pipelines help create Eye-catching Campaigns and Presentations.
Industries such as Architecture use 3D Animations to showcase Designs, and Education sector benefits from Interactive Content. In Healthcare domain, these pipelines assist in Visualizing detailed Anatomy. From Simulations in Manufacturing to Virtual Prototyping in Engineering, 3D Animation Pipelines play very important role in Simplifying Complex ideas and creating Engaging Visual Experiences in various Professional Sectors.
A typical 3D Animation Production Pipeline is having following phases
Pre-Production
The First Phase of the 3D Animation Production Pipeline is Pre-Production, a critical stage that lays the foundation for the entire project. This phase involves stages like Conceptualizing Ideas, Developing the Script, Designing Characters, and Planning the overall Look and Feel of the Animation.
Production
The Production Phase is where the 3D Animation comes to Life. Animators work with the Assets created during Pre-Production to produce the Final Animated Sequences.
Post-Production
Post-Production involves Refining and Enhancing the Rendered sequences to achieve the desired Consistency and Quality.
Additionally, the inclusion of VFX (Visual Effects) further elevates the Immersive experience for the customer / audience.
VFX are an integral part of the 3D Animation Pipeline, often Intersecting with various stages to enhance Visual elements and introduce Fictional / Mythical / Imaginary elements that go beyond the scope of traditional Animation. VFX processes can include
Now lets gear back :)
Digital Human Technology
Here are the some of the Key Technologies used in the creation of Digital Humans
3D Modelling and Animation
At the core of Digital Human creation is 3D (three-dimensional) Modeling and Animation Pipeline technology. Artists and Designers use highly specialized software to Model and Animate a 3D Virtual Character. These models are Designed to mimic Human Anatomy with precise detail, allowing for Realistic Facial Expressions, Body movements, and Gestures.
Motion Capture
Motion Capture is used to Capture and Replicate human movements with precision. This technology records the Physical movements and expressions of Human actors and Transfers them to Digital Human models in Real time. This results in Authentic and Natural movements that enhance the overall Realism of Digital Humans.
AI-Generated Content
To engage users effectively, Digital Humans should generate contextually relevant content on the fly. AI algorithms are used to create Responses, Dialogue, and even generate Visual and Textual content in Real-time, making Interactions more Dynamic and Engaging.
Computer Vision
Computer Vision technology allows Digital Humans to perceive and interpret Visual Data from their surroundings. This includes Facial Recognition, Tracking User Movements, and even Understanding user Emotions through Facial Expressions and Gestures. By processing Visual Data, Digital Humans can respond appropriately to users.
Speech AI
For Digital Humans to communicate effectively, they need the ability to Understand and Generate human speech. Speech Synthesis technology converts text into lifelike speech, while Speech Recognition enables Digital Humans to understand and respond to spoken language. These technologies ensure that the Conversations with Digital Humans sound natural.
Components of Speech AI in Digital Humans
Speech Synthesis (Text-to-Speech — TTS)
Think of TTS as the voice of Digital Humans. It turns written words into Expressive, Natural-sounding speech, making Interactions warm and engaging. By adding variations in pitch and rhythm, Digital Humans can convey Emotions, making conversations feel more Authentic and Lively.
Automatic Speech Recognition (Speech-to-Text — ASR)
This component helps Digital Humans understand what you’re saying, allowing for Smoother and more Natural conversations. With real-time processing, Digital Humans can respond quickly, just like a friend in a conversation.
Natural Language Processing (NLP)
NLP ensures that Digital Humans not only hear your words but also Understand the meaning behind them, making Interactions more Intuitive. By analyzing the conversation context, Digital Humans can respond in a way that feels Personal and Relevant to you.
Digital Human Use Cases
Let’s explore the Top use cases
New Media and Entertainment: Immersive Experiences
In the domain of New Media and Entertainment, Digital Humans are redefining User Engagement. From Virtual Hosts guiding users through Interactive Experiences to lifelike characters in Video Games and Films, these entities create Immersive, Memorable experiences. Their ability to express Emotions, Engage in Dynamic Conversations, and adapt to user Interactions elevates Storytelling and Entertainment to something that has never happened / seen before.
Retail, Consumer Goods: Transforming Customer Service
Digital Humans are reshaping the landscape of Retail and Consumer Goods. In the Retail Sector, these lifelike Avatars serve as Virtual Shop Assistants, offering Personalized Interactions by Greeting Customers, providing detailed Product Information, and aiding in Decision-making processes. This not only enhances the overall Shopping Experience but also bridges the gap between Physical and Online Retail spaces.
In the Consumer Goods industry, Digital Humans, such as Virtual Shopping guides, provide Personalized assistance to Online Shoppers, guiding them through Virtual Showrooms and addressing Queries in Real-time. By leveraging Facial Expressions, Gestures, and Realistic Conversations, these Digital entities create an Interactive and Immersive Shopping Environment, ultimately improving Customer Satisfaction and Loyalty in both the Retail and Consumer Goods sectors.
Social Media Content Creation: Influential Avatars
Digital Humans are making waves in Social Media as Influential Avatars. Influencers and Content Creators are utilizing these lifelike entities to enhance their Online Presence. These Avatars can engage with Followers, Participate in Virtual Events, and Even Collaborate with other Digital and Human Influencers. The versatility of Digital Humans adds a new dimension to Social Media content creation.
Healthcare: Virtual Health Companions
In the Healthcare Sector, Digital Humans serve as Virtual Health Companions. They can guide Patients through Wellness Routines, Provide Medication Reminders, and offer Emotional Support. These entities contribute to Patient Education, improve Adherence to Treatment Plans, and enhance Overall Healthcare Experiences, especially in Remote or Home-based care scenarios.
Education: Interactive Learning Guides
Digital humans are Transforming Education by acting as Interactive Learning Guides. In Virtual Classrooms, these entities Assist Students with Queries, Deliver Educational content, and adapt their Teaching Styles based on Individual Learning needs. The Personalized and Engaging nature of Digital Human interactions Enhances the overall Learning Experience for students of all ages.
“The World needs almost 69 million new Teachers to reach the 2030 Education Goals” — UNESCO Institute for Statistics
Customer Service: Humanizing Interactions
In Customer Service across various industries, Digital Humans humanize Interactions. Acting as the face of Customer Support, these entities engage in Natural Conversations, Provide Assistance, and Resolve Queries. By combining the efficiency of AI-driven responses with the Empathy and Relatability of Human-like Interactions, Digital Humans elevate Customer Service to new levels.
As Digital Humans continue to find their way into Diverse Industries, their impact on Consumer and Enterprise Interactions is set to grow Exponentially.
Major Players (Companies) in the Digital Humans Market
The Digital Humans market is witnessing Rapid Growth. As businesses and industries embrace the Transformative potential of Digital Humans, several Key Players / Companies are at the forefront, Driving Innovation and Shaping the Market landscape.
Let’s explore some of the Major Players / Companies contributing to the evolution of Digital Humans.
Blender
Blender is the company that is powering complex 2D, 3D Animations and Digital Human creation pipeline to most of the companies (small to big) into Animation Software Development, Game Development, VFX Studios worldwide. Blender offers a robust set of Tools and Platforms that contribute to the entire 3D Animation Production Pipeline.
With an Open-Source and Free-to-use model, Blender has earned widespread popularity, making it accessible to both Independent Creators and Established Studios. It stands as a central hub for Digital Artists and Animators, providing an Extensive Toolkit for crafting lifelike Characters and Immersive Environments.
Blender Foundation’s involvement in prestigious organizations like The Khronos Group, The Open Invention Network, The Linux Foundation, The Academy Software Foundation, and ASIFA Hollywood further solidifies its role in shaping Open Standards and supporting the broader Creative Ecosystem.
Reallusion
Reallusion AI Solutions has emerged as a key player in the Digital Human Creation Market, revolutionizing character Design and Animation. Their Innovative Platform is a go-to solution for professionals in diverse Industries, including Media and Entertainment, Metaverse, Digital Twin factories, Architectural Visualizations, and AI Simulations.
With powerful tools like Character Creator 4 (CC4) and iClone 8 (iC8), Reallusion enables users to bring Digital Humans to life with unprecedented Flexibility and Compatibility. Reallusion AI Solutions is leading in shaping the future of Digital Character Creation, offering a Comprehensive Ecosystem that enhances Accessibility and Workflow Efficiency for creators in the Digital Content Creation Pipeline.
Epic Games Inc.
Epic Games Inc. is a renowned name in the Gaming industry, and its Unreal Engine has become a powerful tool for creating Digital Humans. The company’s MetaHuman Creator, launched as part of Unreal Engine, allows users to design High-fidelity Digital Humans for various applications. Epic Games’ contribution extends beyond Gaming, influencing industries like Film, Virtual Production, and Immersive Experiences.
NVIDIA
NVIDIA has emerged as a Major Player in the Digital Human market, leading the charge in revolutionizing the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Virtual reality. With its innovative Omniverse Avatar Cloud Engine (ACE), NVIDIA provides a comprehensive suite of Cloud-native AI Models and Services that empower Developers and Enterprises to create lifelike Virtual Assistants and Digital Humans.
Leveraging technologies like 3D Modeling, Animation, Speech AI, and Motion Capture, NVIDIA’s ACE offers a robust framework for Building and Customizing interactive Avatars. NVIDIA has demonstrated Advance AI applications Project Maxine and Project Tokkio through collaborations with Industry Partners across Gaming, Entertainment, Retail and beyond.
UneeQ
UneeQ stands out as a prominent player in the Digital Humans market. The company Specializes in creating Intelligent and emotionally responsive Digital Humans that engage users in Natural Conversations. UneeQ’s solutions find Applications in Customer Service, Virtual Assistance, and Interactive Brand Experiences. Their Digital Humans are designed to deliver Personalized Interactions, enhancing user Engagement across different Sectors.
Synthesia
Synthesia is one of the Pivotal Player in the Digital Human Market, offering a revolutionary AI Video Creation Platform that Transforms the traditional Process of Video Content Creation. Synthesia enables users to Generate Professional Videos without the need for Microphones, Cameras, or Studios.
By leveraging AI, the Platform enhances Scalability and Affordability while maintaining High-quality Standards. Synthesia’s Technology empowers Individuals and Businesses to create impactful content for various purposes, including Learning and Development, Sales Enablement, Customer Service, Marketing, and Training Videos.
Closing Thoughts
The Key Technologies driving Digital Humans ranging from 3D Animation Pipeline, AI-Generated Content, Facial Recognition, Motion Capture, Speech AI are constantly evolving. As AI models become more sophisticated, the Realism and Authenticity of Virtual / Digital Humans will continue to Improve. This progress is set to have a very Deep and Direct Impact on Industries such as Gaming, Entertainment and Customer Service where Digital Humans will become vastly Prominent in creating Immersive and Interactive Experiences.
The Journey towards the Full Integration of Digital Humans is not without its Challenges. Ethical Considerations, Data Privacy, and Responsible AI development are all Critical Factors that must be addressed as this Technology Evolves. Striking the right balance between Innovation and Ethics will be essential to ensuring that Digital Humans positively Shape our Future.
