Artificial intelligence (AI) systems can now create photorealistic artificial human beings using generative adversarial networks (GANs). DataGrid, a Japanese startup, is pushing the technology forward and was able to create faces and hair first, but now can create artificial human beings with bodies that can move.

1. AI Can Now Create
Artificial People -
What Does That Mean
For Humans?

2. © 2019 Bernard Marr, Bernard Marr & Co. All rights reserved
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IntroductionIntroduction
When DataGrid, Inc. announced it successfully developed an AI system
capable of generating high-quality photorealistic Japanese faces, it was
impressive. But now the company has gone even further. Its artificial
intelligence (AI) system can now create not only faces and hair from a variety
of ethnicities, but bodies that can move and wear any outfit. While these
images are fictitious, they are incredibly photorealistic.
AI Can Now Create Artificial People – What Does
That Mean For Humans?

3. © 2019 Bernard Marr, Bernard Marr & Co. All rights reserved
The Kyoto-based start-up focuses on creative applications of artificial intelligence. DataGrid
uses generative adversarial networks (GANs), so the AI can "learn" from a database of existing
images and then from there it can generate its own versions.
GANs are one of the latest developments in the ever-evolving field of artificial intelligence.
GANs were first proposed in 2014 and essentially pair two AI systems together that battle it
out where one system creates while the other critiques the outcome, learn from the
experience and adjust to improve the quality of results. GANs can create "new" information
from following the existing rules and are a very exciting development.
While DataGrid's artificial faces weren't the first to be generated, with the help of GANs the
"humans" they created are the most believable, yet plus the bodies have the capability of
movement. The company's website explained that this involved two lines of research and
development, including "whole body generation" and "motion generation."
Using GAN to Help AI’s Creativity

4. © 2019 Bernard Marr, Bernard Marr & Co. All rights reserved
In the past, GAN-generated images would often have tell-tale flaws that allowed you to see
they are were artificial such as asymmetry in the eyes or ears and even backgrounds blending
into the faces. DataGrid minimizes these flaws because they use a non-descript white
background and realistic light shining down on the computer-generated models.
Using GAN to Help AI’s Creativity

5. © 2019 Bernard Marr, Bernard Marr & Co. All rights reserved
DataGrid plans to license the technology to advertising agencies and clothing companies so
they can use it to create artificial models that are photogenic and the right shape and size for
any marketing campaign.
The Swedish fashion chain H&M admitted to using computer-generated models on its
website after it was confronted and challenged about "uncanny similarities" with the models.
In this case, the heads of real models were superimposed on the same body. While the
company emphasized that their process simplified photo shoots and would allow customers
to focus on the clothes rather than the models, there was a backlash by others saying these
computer-generated images set an unrealistic body image.
There is also concern that this technology could be used for more nefarious reasons. Imagine
what can happen when entire bodies of people can be generated, and it's challenging if not
impossible to determine what's real and what's fake.
How Will This Technology Be Used?

6. © 2019 Bernard Marr, Bernard Marr & Co. All rights reserved
DataGrid suggested they would offer this generative technology to other fields without going
into any specifics. While it’s only speculation what those fields might be it’s plausible that
instead of television news anchors or sports broadcasters, a cable or local news station might
“create” its talent using this technology instead of hiring human journalists. Artificial humans
could be used in any marketing endeavor to replace human actors or spokespeople. Speaking
of actors, would the ability to create artificial humans reduce and eventually eliminate the
need for human actors on television and films?
Now that the technology has advanced to the point, it's challenging to determine real from
fake, what expectations should we have about disclosures regarding what is an "artificial
human" versus a real person? At this stage, the focus is on creating entirely unique "artificial
humans" rather than using an existing person's likeness, but the same technology could
create artificial versions of very real humans—such as already been done through deepfakes.
How Will This Technology Be Used?

7. © 2019 Bernard Marr, Bernard Marr & Co. All rights reserved
There could be serious ramifications if an artificial human was believed to be the real thing
(i.e. a political leader) and those listening to the message believed the message was being
delivered by the actual person. Rumours and conflicts could easily be started based on what a
notable person’s AI likeness says.
As one of the latest developments in artificial intelligence, it’s understandable why there’s
hype around GANs and the artificial human beings it can create. As the hype gives way to real
applications of the technology to create images, video, artificial human beings and more, it
will be intriguing to watch it unfold.
How Will This Technology Be Used?

8. © 2017 Bernard Marr , Bernard Marr & Co. All rights reserved
© 2018 Bernard Marr, Bernard Marr & Co. All rights reserved
Bernard Marr is an internationally best-selling author, popular keynote speaker, futurist, and a
strategic business & technology advisor to governments and companies. He helps
organisations improve their business performance, use data more intelligently, and
understand the implications of new technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data,
blockchains, and the Internet of Things.
LinkedIn has ranked Bernard as one of the world’s top 5 business influencers. He is a frequent
contributor to the World Economic Forum and writes a regular column for Forbes. Every day
Bernard actively engages his 1.5 million social media followers and shares content that
reaches millions of readers.
Visit The
Website
© 2017 Bernard Marr , Bernard Marr & Co. All rights reserved
© 2019 Bernard Marr, Bernard Marr & Co. All rights reserved
Bernard Marr is an internationally best-selling author, popular keynote speaker, futurist, and a
strategic business & technology advisor to governments and companies. He helps
organisations improve their business performance, use data more intelligently, and
understand the implications of new technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data,
blockchains, and the Internet of Things.
LinkedIn has ranked Bernard as one of the world’s top 5 business influencers. He is a frequent
contributor to the World Economic Forum and writes a regular column for Forbes. Every day
Bernard actively engages his 1.5 million social media followers and shares content that
reaches millions of readers.
Visit The
Website

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