On Monday, at CES 2020, a mysterious company born in Samsung Technology and Advanced Research Labs (aka STAR Labs) debuted.
The company describes its latest technology as "a virtual creature created by a computer that looks and behaves like a human and has the ability to show emotions and intelligence." The company named the technology Neon.
Essentially, Neon is able to make video chat robots that look and behave like humans. The company told the media that Neon wasn't a omniscient smart assistant. It couldn't tell you the weather or how old Abraham Lincoln was when he died.
The company said: "Neon is not an artificial intelligence assistant. Neon is more like us humans. It is an independent, but living in a virtual space. It can show emotions and learn through experience. Unlike artificial intelligence assistants, Neon is not omniscient, and it's not an interface for users to ask about the weather or play music. "
Neon's design philosophy is to talk to people and behave like real people. They are able to form memories and learn new skills, but they are not physical, at least not at the current stage.
Neon can help with "goal-oriented tasks, and also help people complete tasks that require people-to-people contact in a personalized way."
They can act as teachers, financial advisors, healthcare providers, actors, spokespersons or TV anchors, and more.
In addition, the company also said that although they have a similar appearance and voice to real people, they are not a copy of humans. And Neon is unique and has its own personality.
Neon will showcase its technology at CES this week. The company said it plans to showcase Neon, which can be used in all walks of life, including yoga instructors, bankers, K-pop stars, news anchors and fashion models. Visitors to their booth will see live demonstrations and interact with Neon.