[Limassol, 1 October 2024] — During AVANT Special Forces Summit 2024, which took place September 9-12 in Phoenix, Ariz., and featured inspiring and compelling keynotes, engaging and impactful training sessions, and world-class entertainment, RAVATAR unveiled its Interactive AI Avatar technology, showcasing how the future of digital interactive experiences is being redefined through cutting-edge AI and holography.
Hinting at a future where AI-driven communication is as engaging as it is intelligent, the star attraction was the debut of the first-ever AI Avatar Keynote Speaker — a lifelike, dynamic 3D representation of Ian Kieninger, CEO of AVANT, who shared the stage with his real-world counterpart.
Housed within the state-of-the-art RAVABOX – proprietary 4K volumetric holobox by RAVATAR – the avatar delivered a visionary speech, which quickly evolved into a lively dialogue full of wit and spontaneity as the AI effortlessly kept pace with the real Ian, creating moments of cheer and surprise that rippled through the hall.
And just when the audience thought they’d experienced the full extent of the show, another AI-driven figure leaped into the discussion – a digital twin of Drew Lydecker, AVANT’s president, adding even more energy and humor to the performance.
The interactive 3D avatars responded effortlessly, generating a back-and-forth that had the audience laughing, applauding, and leaning in for more. This 360-degree holographic spectacle was nothing short of awe-inspiring, blending cutting-edge visual precision with genuine engagement to leave everyone in the room enthralled.
Behind these captivating moments, bringing the avatars of Kieninger and Lydecker to life was no small feat. It began with 3D scans that served as the foundation, but the magic truly happened in the transformation—turning raw digital models into vibrant personas that captured the essence of each executive.
The team meticulously adjusted every detail, from height and hairstyle to the fabric of their tailored suits, ensuring the avatars not only looked the part but exuded a convincing presence.
Further, this creative journey unfolded through the use of a range of advanced 3D modeling and design tools, with every nuance counted. From a faint smile to the way the avatars moved on stage, each aspect was thoughtfully shaped to bring a sense of realism that drew the audience in, making the digital feel unexpectedly familiar.
Moreover, both 3D avatars were infused with animations that echoed the charisma of seasoned public speakers, ensuring their body language aligned seamlessly with their on-stage presence. For example, Drew Lydecker’s avatar was carefully scripted to mimic his distinctive habit of slightly squatting during speeches—a subtle yet powerful detail that added a remarkable level of authenticity to his virtual counterpart.
To clone the voices of AVANT’s leaders, the team turned to different sources: Ian’s avatar drew from his podcast recordings, capturing the natural nuances of his voice, while Drew’s avatar took a different approach with a studio session to capture the finer details. These recordings were then run through advanced AI algorithms, creating voice replicas that mirrored their real-life counterparts with exceptional fidelity.
The entire preparation spanned nearly two months, with about two weeks spent perfecting each digital likeness. Every step of the way, close collaboration with AVANT played a vital role in ensuring that every aspect—from the avatars’ unique looks to the subtleties of their voices and the fluidity of their movements—perfectly aligned with the intended vision of both parties.
However, the real breakthrough was in how the AI Avatars connected with people. Throughout the summit, attendees flocked to the vendor networking area to engage with Ian’s and Drew’s AI-driven representations firsthand.
More than 2,000 conference participants had the chance to hold conversations that shattered the usual limitations of AI – asking questions, sharing ideas, and experiencing responses that felt surprisingly human.
Fueled by a sophisticated Large Language Model from IntelePeer and RAVATAR’s proprietary technology, these digital humans handled over 300 unique interactions daily at an astonishing speed, with fluency and depth that impressed even the most skeptical.
The AI’s knack for delivering real-time, context-aware answers made each conversation feel like an authentic exchange with a knowledgeable companion, demonstrating the potential of AI to transform how we connect and collaborate in a digital age.
Ultimately, such a groundbreaking level of interactivity went beyond typical tech showcase; it was a step toward a new reality where lifelike holograms and advanced AI unite, balancing the comfort of human interaction with the sharpness of digital innovation to pave the way for a new era of dynamic, AI-driven communication.
Ruslan Synytskyy, CEO of RAVATAR, reflected on the event’s impact, stating: “Our goal was to showcase a new frontier in communication, where AI-powered avatars deliver not just imitation of the reality, but authentic, engaging interactions. The response from attendees confirms that we’re on the right track to making these experiences distinctly impactful, moving toward a realm where digital engagement is anything but artificial.”
“It’s thrilling to see the remarkable progress AI is making with the emergence of AI avatars, such as those introduced by RAVATAR,” said Ian Kieninger, CEO at AVANT. “The launch of this technology serves as a powerful reminder that the next groundbreaking advancement in communication will not stem from small, gradual changes, but from daring to reimagine the entire landscape completely. We are at a pivotal moment where AI is not simply a tool, but rather a true collaborator, seamlessly transforming digital environments into spaces that feel as natural and intuitive as in-person interactions.”
With every step forward, RAVATAR and its partners are proving that technology’s true potential lies in its ability to serve a purpose greater than itself. As AI avatars begin to bridge the gap between imagination and reality, we are invited to consider not just what’s next in technology but what’s next for humanity, challenging us to think beyond the screen and engage with the limitless.
About RAVATAR
RAVATAR (https://ravatar.com/) is a leader in interactive AI avatars, revolutionizing digital communication through advanced AI and holographic technology. By developing lifelike 3D avatars that enable real-time, dynamic interactions, RAVATAR creates immersive, engaging experiences that fuse the virtual and real worlds. Driven by a vision of the future, RAVATAR is redefining the digital landscape, turning the seemingly impossible into everyday reality and inviting humanity to explore new dimensions of presence and connection.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Oleg Avershyn
Head of Marketing
oa@ravatar.com
