New 'Digital Human' Uses AI to Serve Customers in Drugstores

May 29, 2024 | News On Japan

TOKYO - In retail stores like drugstores, a new "Digital Human" that uses generative AI to assist customers has made its debut.

A customer asks, 'I use hard contact lenses. Can you recommend an eye drop?'

The Digital Human responds, 'I recommend this product.'

The "Digital Human," named CONN-chan, takes questions from customers and suggests products.

CONN-chan says, 'This product is effective for eye fatigue, redness, and itchiness.'

Equipped with generative AI, CONN-chan can also respond in English and Chinese and engage in casual conversation.

There are plans to utilize this technology not only in retail stores but also in hospitals and banks, with implementation aimed for within this fiscal year.

Source: 日テレNEWS

Japan Moves To Tackle Potty Parity

The Japanese government on June 12th released new guidelines calling for women’s toilets to have at least as many fixtures as men’s toilets in public facilities, seeking to address the persistent problem of long queues at women’s restrooms in places such as train stations and event venues.

Captain Endo Withdraws From Japan Squad

Japan captain Wataru Endo has withdrawn from the national team's World Cup squad due to injury and announced his retirement from international soccer, dealing a major blow ahead of Japan's Group F opener against the Netherlands on June 14th (June 15th Japan time), as the team continued preparations near Nashville, Tennessee, on June 11th.

Veteran Photographer Documents Changing Bear Behavior

As bear sightings continue at an unusually high pace across Akita Prefecture, a veteran wildlife photographer who has spent nearly 30 years observing and photographing Asian black bears says the animals are appearing more frequently, moving closer to human settlements, and increasingly adapting their behavior to survive.

Bear Swims Ashore and Roams Popular Kyoto Prefecture Tourist Area

A male Asiatic black bear that appeared at Amanohashidate, one of Japan's Three Scenic Views, in Kyoto Prefecture was captured after prompting the temporary closure of the popular tourist destination and surrounding area, authorities said.

Parrot Predicts Japan to Win All Group Matches at World Cup

A fortune-telling parrot at Nasu Animal Kingdom in Nasu, Tochigi Prefecture, predicted on June 11 that Japan's national soccer team will win all three of its group-stage matches at the FIFA World Cup.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Web3 NEWS

Local Governments in Japan Tap Into AI

Artificial intelligence is being rapidly adopted by local governments across Tokyo, with municipalities using the technology for crime prevention, public services, and disaster management.

Ranmaru Kishitani Speaks on Gen Z, Politics and the Power of Buzzwords

Ranmaru Kishitani, a 24-year-old education entrepreneur and member of Generation Z who has built a public profile by speaking widely on politics, economics and current affairs, says young people in Japan are becoming more conscious of politics as social media brings elections into everyday life and creates a sense that individual votes can still change outcomes.

NTT to Launch IOWN AI Fund With Global Tech Partners

NTT plans to establish a new investment vehicle, the IOWN AI Fund, to accelerate the global expansion of its next-generation communications infrastructure known as IOWN.

Melcoin Expands Cryptocurrency Offerings Through Coincheck Partnership

Mercari subsidiary Melcoin, which operates cryptocurrency trading services, announced that it has expanded the range of cryptocurrencies available through the Mercari marketplace app.

Fukuoka Launches AI Training for All Public School Teachers

Fukuoka City began training teachers in the use of generative artificial intelligence on June 5th, as part of an effort to improve classroom instruction and streamline administrative work across its public schools.

Hitachi Secures Access to Anthropic's Advanced AI for Cybersecurity

Hitachi has signed an agreement granting it access to "Claude Mythos," the latest artificial intelligence model developed by U.S.-based AI company Anthropic, sources revealed on June 5th.

How Gamification Is Transforming Traditional Online Leisure Hubs

Gamification is shaking up the way people spend their spare time online, turning passive visits into active adventures.

'Sheep in the Box' Director Explores AI Question

The latest film by Hirokazu Kore-eda, Sheep in the Box, opened in Japan on May 29th after being screened in the Competition section at the Cannes Film Festival, bringing to the screen a near-future story about a grieving couple who welcome into their home a humanoid modeled on their deceased seven-year-old son.

< 2 3 4 5 >