Want To Talk To Albert?
By Anne Pawsey
Imagine being able to discuss relativity with Einstein or gravity with Newton, it would certainly beat reading a book. This sci-fi scenario could soon become reality if researchers at The University of Illinois and the University of Central Florida have their way. Funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation.
They plan to create their virtual person, or avatar, using fancy cameras to capture how real people move and voice synthesis to create a natural voice. They will also use sophisticated artificial intelligence software so the avatar can respond to questions in a natural fashion.
The 1st version of their avatar will be, no not Einstein or Newton but an employee of the Science Foundation. The idea is to record his knowledge so that he can be consulted at all times.
This is obviously good news for the employee who will be able to take more holidays but it might cause problems when his virtual copy starts demanding a share of the pay-cheque.
If you can't wait to get the physics low-down from Albert, why try our resident guru instead. Visit Anne's page to read more.
They plan to create their virtual person, or avatar, using fancy cameras to capture how real people move and voice synthesis to create a natural voice. They will also use sophisticated artificial intelligence software so the avatar can respond to questions in a natural fashion.
The 1st version of their avatar will be, no not Einstein or Newton but an employee of the Science Foundation. The idea is to record his knowledge so that he can be consulted at all times.
This is obviously good news for the employee who will be able to take more holidays but it might cause problems when his virtual copy starts demanding a share of the pay-cheque.
If you can't wait to get the physics low-down from Albert, why try our resident guru instead. Visit Anne's page to read more.
Image: W
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