Sberbank has developed a digital copy of a TV news presenter, Yelena. She can run news releases, generating videos and speeches.
Sberbank representatives said they plan to use the robot to create commercials for bank services. Moreover, Yelena will be able to speak at forums and exhibitions in which Sberbank participates, according to Banks.Ru. The robot can even imitate human facial gestures: it was rather difficult to achieve this effect, Sberbank representatives say. The project was led by Sberbank Robotics Laboratory; Speech Technology Center developed the robot’s speech synthesis system, and CGF Innovation succeeded in producing a blend of artificial intelligence and photo-realistic computer graphics tools.
The Yelena project will continue, as it is planned to refine some of the robot’s features. The developers want to improve her facial mobility, add new emotions and movements, and to improve the technical parameters by increasing the robot’s speed.