‘Digital human’ unveils at FIBA World Cup

MANILA, Philippines — Basketball fans from around the world who will watch the FIBA Basketball World Cup onsite in Manila will have an added special treat: they can chat with Pearl, the country’s first “digital human”.

The nearly half a million sports fans expected to gather at the FIBA tournament which runs from Aug. 25 to Sept. 10 can interact with Pearl, a conversational artificial intelligence (AI) avatar powered by digital human technology. She will be stationed at special kiosks at the Smart Araneta Coliseum and the Mall of Asia Arena.

Equipped with ChatGPT technology, as well as visual and sound sensors, Pearl can converse with sports fans in English and Filipino and answer their questions – such as how to get to their seats. She can also give people other useful information, including where they can get their snacks or
recommended activities in Manila for tourists.

A first in Asia, Pearl is the latest in digital human technology. She combines speech recognition, machine learning, natural language processing, and conversational AI to connect with people. Pearl speaks with visitors naturally, complete with detailed facial expressions. Fans who want to get updates on the games can simply ask Pearl, who can then tell fans the latest game results, statistics, leaderboards, and upcoming matches.

Digital human technology has been developed by Japan’s NTT Data, along with NTT Ltd. and NTT Data Business Solutions, with the goal of promoting Smart Solutions for fans to experience globally. These Smart Solutions combine creative communications with the latest advances in internet of things (IoT) technology and AI to create a unique experience for sports fans. The NTT Group has introduced Smart Solutions through various sporting events such as the Tour de France, IndyCar Series and Major League Baseball.

In collaboration with PLDT, Mediaquest and Cignal, the NTT Group has brought Smart Solutions to the Philippines just in time for the FIBA Basketball World Cup.

“The NTT Group has been advocating Smart Solutions for sports for some time now, and we are happy to introduce it to the Philippines at this global event. We look forward to more collaborations with PLDT and the Mediaquest Group as we develop more innovations,” said NTT Data EVP Noriyuki Kaya.

“We are thrilled at the chance to bring these next-generation technologies to Filipino fans, and this is just the beginning. We will learn from the interactions that the fans will have with Pearl, and we will continue to improve the live stadium experience for future events.”, said Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president and PLDT president and CEO Alfredo Panlilio.

“Aside from helping sports fans enjoy the FIBA games, Pearl gives them something more – a taste of the emerging digital future today. That’s why we are quite keen on bringing Smart Solutions to Philippine sports. This will bring the fan experience to new, higher levels.”, said Jane Basas, president and CEO of Mediaquest and Cignal.