Virtual Humans Make Their Debut at Exhibitor 99 (Booth 1307)
February 15, 1999, Las Vegas, Nevada -- At Exhibitor Show 99, February 15, Research Triangle Institute (RTI) will debut virtual humans who perform as sales staff in trade show booths. This new product, called "ExhibitAR(tm)," is an interactive kiosk that provides electronic staffing for tradeshows and other promotional events. Visitors to Exhibitor Show 99 in Las Vegas, Nevada, can meet and converse with two virtual humans, Rocky and Roxanne, in booth 1307.
"Virtual humans never tire and never need a break," said Carol Gunther-Mohr, ExhibitAR(tm) program manager. "They will be just as knowledgeable, friendly, and humorous at the end of the day as they are at the beginning."
ExhibitAR(tm) uses a new RTI technology, AVATALK(tm), that enables interactive, spoken dialog with a virtual human. ExhibitAR(tm) features male and female virtual humans who talk with and respond to kiosk visitors with informative and enjoyable spoken dialog.
"AVATALK(tm) integrates RTI's innovations in natural language processing, avatars, and adaptive behavior models," explained Ms. Gunther-Mohr. "Each technology is powerful on its own, and combined in an AVATALK(tm)-enabled application, they provide a highly interactive and entertaining way to deliver information with personality and pizzazz."
ExhibitAR(tm) also gathers information from visitors, such as their immediate response to the product and the length of time they spend at the kiosk. At the end of the show, a report on the number of intercepts and visitors' perceptions of the product being showcased brings valuable, accurate information back to the home office.
Since the early 1990s, RTI engineers have used emerging virtual reality technologies to design custom applications that bring to life marketing messages. Applications created for Michelin will be in the RTI "Technology for Tradeshows" booth at Exhibitor 99. For example, people can experience a driving simulation that gives the sensation of racing at 160 mph on the Road Atlanta track. Stereophonic sound equipment and a head-mounted display provide a three-dimensional visual environment that immerses the driver in the racing experience. At auto shows worldwide, RTI's applications have attracted thousands of visitors to Michelin's booths.
RTI expects the ExhibitAR(tm) team of Rocky and Roxanne, to attract as much attention at Exhibitor 99. So be sure and stop by booth #1307 and ask "How do you like Vegas?" or "What is the meaning of life?"
Research Triangle Institute is an independent R&D company that provides clients with innovation in many disciplines of science and engineering. Founded in 1958 as the centerpiece of the Research Triangle Park, RTI today has a staff of more than 1,500 people.
On-site contact at Exhibitor Show 99, Carol Gunther-Mohr, booth #1307.
Media contact: Karen Lauterbach, 919-541-5960, [email protected]
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