Holo Lab Unveils Innovative AR and AI-Based Line Mini App at SusHi Tech 2025
In a pioneering move blending augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI), Holo Lab, headquartered in Shinagawa, Tokyo, revealed its latest innovation, WhatsThis AI, at the SusHi Tech Tokyo 2025 event. This Line mini app, part of the exhibition for LINE Yahoo Inc., was showcased between May 8-10, 2025, at Tokyo Big Sight.
WhatsThis AI is an interactive voice guide designed to help users understand the usage of various items and locations seamlessly. This innovative application was demonstrated using a character room light at the LINE Yahoo booth, illustrating the various functionalities of the device.
A standout feature of WhatsThis AI is its capability for real-time audio communication through a smartphone camera feed. This facilitates a conversational flow akin to a video call, allowing users to interact comfortably with the AI. The integration of AR means that specifics difficult to convey verbally can be depicted using 3D arrows, guiding users to their intended targets within the context of a conversation.
Holo Lab envisions WhatsThis AI as a pivotal solution for foreign visitors and a significant contributor to regional revitalization. For instance, it can clarify how to operate a ticket vending machine at unmanned train stations, navigate bus stops, or understand the customs for visiting shrines—scenarios that might confuse individuals from different cultural backgrounds.
By implementing WhatsThis AI in these situations, there is potential to provide guidance instantaneously without requiring on-site staff, offering value to both incoming tourists and local municipalities or companies. This dual benefit helps address existing challenges while enhancing the visitor experience.
Furthermore, the app's correlation with the user's current location allows local governments and businesses to identify frequently troublesome areas. This preemptive use of WhatsThis AI can reduce the operational expenses tied to human staff while giving users clear guidance on where to find assistance, ultimately reducing costs when compared to employing staff at a rate of 1,000 yen per hour.
While the official release date for WhatsThis AI is yet to be determined, Holo Lab is open to inquiries from those interested in its implementation. It can also be integrated into existing LINE mini apps or official LINE accounts.
LINE mini apps function as web applications accessible within the LINE app, allowing businesses and stores to offer their services directly on the platform without requiring users to download additional applications. This direct accessibility is expected to lower service dropout rates and improve conversion rates.
Moreover, users can initiate the mini app from outside LINE via links from the service's official website, social media, or QR codes on pamphlets, facilitating quicker access and repeat usage.
The integration possibility of urging users to add the business's official LINE account when they open the mini app further enhances repeatability and engagement. As a result, the adoption of LINE mini apps, such as WhatsThis AI, lowers barriers that previously deterred good outcomes due to prerequisites like downloading apps, especially in platforms with limited user numbers. This shift is anticipated to foster an environment where more innovative solutions can thrive effortlessly.
Holo Lab operates under the mission of "connecting the physical with the digital to create new worlds," specializing in XR technologies such as AR and VR, spatial computing, and 3D data technologies, including BIM and photogrammetry. The group is dedicated to creating new experiences from captivating moments to digital twins in urban development, to continuously learn and share advancements within broader societal contexts.
Note: The company names and product/service names referenced in this press release are registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective companies.
What is WhatsThis AI?
WhatsThis AI is an interactive voice guide designed to help users understand the usage of various items and locations seamlessly. This innovative application was demonstrated using a character room light at the LINE Yahoo booth, illustrating the various functionalities of the device.
A standout feature of WhatsThis AI is its capability for real-time audio communication through a smartphone camera feed. This facilitates a conversational flow akin to a video call, allowing users to interact comfortably with the AI. The integration of AR means that specifics difficult to convey verbally can be depicted using 3D arrows, guiding users to their intended targets within the context of a conversation.
Holo Lab envisions WhatsThis AI as a pivotal solution for foreign visitors and a significant contributor to regional revitalization. For instance, it can clarify how to operate a ticket vending machine at unmanned train stations, navigate bus stops, or understand the customs for visiting shrines—scenarios that might confuse individuals from different cultural backgrounds.
By implementing WhatsThis AI in these situations, there is potential to provide guidance instantaneously without requiring on-site staff, offering value to both incoming tourists and local municipalities or companies. This dual benefit helps address existing challenges while enhancing the visitor experience.
Furthermore, the app's correlation with the user's current location allows local governments and businesses to identify frequently troublesome areas. This preemptive use of WhatsThis AI can reduce the operational expenses tied to human staff while giving users clear guidance on where to find assistance, ultimately reducing costs when compared to employing staff at a rate of 1,000 yen per hour.
While the official release date for WhatsThis AI is yet to be determined, Holo Lab is open to inquiries from those interested in its implementation. It can also be integrated into existing LINE mini apps or official LINE accounts.
The Versatility of LINE Mini Apps
LINE mini apps function as web applications accessible within the LINE app, allowing businesses and stores to offer their services directly on the platform without requiring users to download additional applications. This direct accessibility is expected to lower service dropout rates and improve conversion rates.
Moreover, users can initiate the mini app from outside LINE via links from the service's official website, social media, or QR codes on pamphlets, facilitating quicker access and repeat usage.
The integration possibility of urging users to add the business's official LINE account when they open the mini app further enhances repeatability and engagement. As a result, the adoption of LINE mini apps, such as WhatsThis AI, lowers barriers that previously deterred good outcomes due to prerequisites like downloading apps, especially in platforms with limited user numbers. This shift is anticipated to foster an environment where more innovative solutions can thrive effortlessly.
About Holo Lab
Holo Lab operates under the mission of "connecting the physical with the digital to create new worlds," specializing in XR technologies such as AR and VR, spatial computing, and 3D data technologies, including BIM and photogrammetry. The group is dedicated to creating new experiences from captivating moments to digital twins in urban development, to continuously learn and share advancements within broader societal contexts.
Note: The company names and product/service names referenced in this press release are registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective companies.
Topics Consumer Technology）
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