Let’s Make a 3D Avatar at The Miraikan Which Looks Just Like You.

Hi there,

I’m Kimie Hatakeyama! I’m a researcher in a project studying avatars, robots, and AI. Our project leader is Professor Fumio Shimpo, who studies law at Keio University.

Isn’t it interesting that our avatar, AI and robot research team is led by a law professor? We started these talks because we want children like you to learn about our research!

Our team is doing something really exciting at The Miraikan, (The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation) in Odaiba, Tokyo. If you want to, you can create a virtual avatar, (digital copy of yourself on the computer), which looks just like you!

How Do You Do This?
Well;

a special machine makes your avatar after taking your photo;

anyone taller than 130cm, (about 4’3″) can join.

With your avatar, you can:

• make it dance;

• try different poses; • change expressions; make it smile or even make it look angry!

Something Amazing We Saw.

We saw a girl in a wheelchair, and an elderly gentleman, whose avatars could do fast, complex dances! You see, avatars can do things which might be hard to do in real life!

Let’s Think Together.

During this event, we are going to think about some interesting avatar questions. Here’s one: “How would you feel if you could meet someone special who’s ‘gone away’, but has an avatar of himself or herself?”

What do you think about this?

Some people might feel happy about it.

Others might feel a bit strange. Some might even feel scared.

Why Are We Doing This Event?

New technology isn’t always just about fun and convenience. We need to think about how to use it safely and appropriately. That’s why we are inviting everyone; grown-ups and kids, to try it out and talk about it together.

Would you like to come to The Miraikan and create your own avatar? You can check the museum’s website for the event dates.

We’d really love to hear about what you think too!