The rapid convergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital human technology has recently emerged as a central theme at the Shenzhen International LED Exhibition, a showcase of cutting-edge technological innovationsAs companies unveil their latest AI-driven products, the event highlights a significant shift towards the integration of advanced AI capabilities, especially the introduction of DeepSeek, a large AI model that is transforming the landscape of digital human applications. 

Among the notable presentations at the exhibition, Liu Dan, chairperson of Dream Group, provided a detailed account of how Dream Cloud has leveraged DeepSeek to dramatically reduce the costs of creating and deploying digital humansPreviously, creating realistic digital humans required expensive high-end graphics processing units (GPUs), such as the A100, which could cost upwards of 100,000 yuan (around $15,000 USD). However, by utilizing DeepSeek, Dream Group has been able to harness more affordable GPUs like the 4090 and 4060, driving the costs down to approximately 20,000 yuan ($3,000 USD). This development is crucial as it opens up opportunities for smaller businesses to integrate digital human technology without the prohibitive costs that have traditionally limited their use to only large-scale enterprises.

This significant reduction in costs is not the only benefit that DeepSeek providesThe framework also enhances the logical and emotional capabilities of digital humans, allowing them to interact more authentically with usersLiu Dan sees the future potential of these AI-driven digital workers extending far beyond the realm of live streaming, where digital humans have been primarily utilized in the past two yearsInstead, she envisions a world where digital humans can play pivotal roles across a wide array of service industries, enhancing customer experiences and transforming the way businesses operate.

A similar sentiment was shared by Liu Jun, vice president of AOTO Technology, another key player in the LED sector

Advertisements

AOTO, which has integrated the DeepSeek model into its multimodal interactive platform, has reduced its AI inference costs to just 3% of what would typically be expected from OpenAI’s offeringsThis innovation has allowed AOTO to develop more responsive and accurate intelligent hardware products, such as holographic display cabinetsThe integration of DeepSeek into their platform has significantly enhanced the ability of these products to interact with users in natural, intuitive waysBy combining DeepSeek with other models, such as Wenxin and Tongyi, AOTO has positioned itself for rapid market penetration, capitalizing on the technology’s affordability and efficiency.

Looking forward, Liu Jun anticipates a future where customers using AOTO’s devices can access a range of AI functionalities, including personalized content creation, emotional support services, and even interactive fairy talesThis shift toward more personalized, human-like digital interactions represents a major transformation in how companies engage with their customers, ultimately enhancing the overall customer experienceThe shift from static, impersonal devices to dynamic, intelligent companions is indicative of a broader trend towards more immersive and emotionally resonant AI applications.

The ripple effects of integrating affordable AI technologies are significant, particularly in how they may reshape entire industry ecosystemsAs more companies adopt similar AI capabilities, the focus within industries is likely to shift from raw hardware specifications—such as processing power and memory capacity—towards capabilities related to AI interactions, user engagement, and the overall integration of intelligent systems into daily lifeLiu Jun’s observations highlight a future where digital display products, once considered mere tools, become intelligent companions capable of providing value-added services, such as customer support, education, and personalized content creation.

In another noteworthy development, Liantronic’s subsidiary, Virtual Motion, has successfully integrated DeepSeek into its animated performance model, LYDIA, to produce significantly more lifelike and emotionally engaging digital humans

Advertisements

The result is an enhanced level of movement accuracy and sophistication, making digital human interactions even more seamless and realisticThis integration underscores the growing importance of AI in creating not just functional products but emotionally resonant experiences that connect with consumers on a deeper level.

As the market for digital human technology grows, predictions for the future are promisingMarket research firm iMedia Consulting has forecast that by 2025, the market size driven by virtual humans in China will reach approximately 640.27 billion yuan ($95.4 billion USD), a dramatic increase from 333.47 billion yuan in 2023. Of this, the core market segment—driven largely by digital employees—is expected to be valued at around 48.06 billion yuan ($7 billion USD). This projected growth highlights the immense potential of virtual humans in reshaping various sectors, from finance to media, and their ability to enhance customer experiences and streamline operations.

In sectors like finance, virtual employees could be deployed to handle routine customer service tasks, offer personalized financial advice, and even assess risk in real timeIn manufacturing, digital humans might monitor production processes, track inventory, and notify staff of any maintenance needsIn the retail sector, they could serve as intelligent shopping assistants, guiding customers through product selections and providing personalized recommendationsSimilarly, in the tourism industry, virtual humans could function as tour guides, offering tailored experiences based on individual preferences, and even in media, they could take on roles as virtual hosts or news anchors, delivering content in a way that resonates with audiences on a more personal level.

As this trend continues to evolve, one of the most exciting aspects is how AI and LED technology are becoming increasingly intertwinedAccording to TrendForce analyst Yu Bin, since 2024, there has been a steady rise in the integration of AI and LED technology, particularly in the realm of virtual humans

Advertisements

Advertisements

Advertisements