Saitama's Toronyan Transforms Into 3D AI Avatar for Local Government Assistance

Saitama's Toronyan: Leading the Way in AI Avatar Public Service

In a groundbreaking initiative, the town of Nagatoro in Saitama Prefecture is set to debut an innovative AI avatar service utilizing its official mascot, Toronyan. Starting on March 27, 2024, residents and visitors will experience the assistance of Toronyan, now transformed into a 3D AI avatar designed for municipal service at the town's comprehensive information center. This venture marks the first of its kind in Japan, which combines a local mascot with advanced AI technology to enhance citizen engagement.

A Unique Public Service Experience

The establishment of a 3D AI avatar centered around Toronyan aims to modernize how the local government interacts with its residents. As local governments face challenges such as decreasing staff numbers and the increasing complexity of citizen needs, integrating advanced technologies like artificial intelligence is becoming crucial. Toronyan's AI avatar will be able to guide residents through various administrative processes while catering to the linguistic needs of a diverse population, including the growing number of foreign tourists.

The unveiling of this service will take place on the same day at a media event held at the Nagatoro Town Hall. During this event, attendees will have the opportunity to interact with the AI avatar, offering a firsthand experience of its capabilities.

Event Details

The media presentation is scheduled for Friday, March 27, 2024, at 3 PM in the first-floor lobby of the Nagatoro Town Hall, located at 1035-1 Honnogami, Nagatoro-cho, Saitama. The event will include a demonstration of the AI avatar, a hands-on experience for journalists, and a Q&A session. Media members can capture footage of the avatar in operation and conduct interviews with local government representatives and JetB Company officials.

Addressing Local Challenges

As an increasingly popular tourist destination, attracting around 3 million visitors annually, Nagatoro has a pressing need to enhance its multilingual support systems. The introduction of an AI-powered Toronyan allows for immediate assistance in up to 15 languages, ensuring that foreign visitors can access vital information without delay. With the Japanese government encouraging digital transformation (DX) across municipalities, JetB’s technology aligns perfectly with this initiative, providing a viable solution to meet the urgent demands of local citizen service enhancements.

Toronyan’s transition into an AI avatar is not merely a novelty; it represents a strategic response to systemic challenges arising within local governance. As visitor numbers surge, equipping local administrations with the necessary tools to respond effectively is imperative.

Features of the AI Avatar Service

1. 3D Representation of Toronyan: The beloved mascot has been reimagined as a 3D avatar and is integrated into digital signage, offering a welcoming interface for visitors. The avatar will utilize AI-generated audio to provide directions and information, making interactions feel more personal and accessible.

2. Multilingual Support: The AI avatar can communicate in 15 different languages, covering around 90% of the global population. This capability will alleviate the burden of multilingual communication at public service windows and ensure that all visitors can receive assistance.

3. Rapid Response Technology: Utilizing JetB's proprietary two-tier voice generation technology, the avatar promises immediate responses without delay. This feature enhances the user experience, allowing for engaging and dynamic interactions.

4. Reliable Information Delivery: The AI avatar leverages official local data for high-accuracy responses. By learning from sources such as the town's website and visitor brochures, it can provide accurate and updated information to both residents and tourists.

5. Easy Implementation and Operation: Municipalities can establish the AI system without requiring specialized technical expertise. By simply uploading existing documents like Excel and PDF files, towns can create tailored AI solutions for various services.

Implementation Timeline

The trial of the Toronyan AI avatar will run from March 27, 2024, until the end of August 2024. Initially located in the Nagatoro Town Hall lobby until the end of May, the service will then move to the town’s tourist information center for the summer months.

In conclusion, the integration of Toronyan as a 3D AI avatar within the Nagatoro municipal framework signifies a forward-thinking approach to public service. As the town embraces technology, it leads by example, showcasing how local governments can innovate to meet the needs of their communities effectively. With JetB’s assistance, Nagatoro not only enhances service delivery but also enriches the experience of every visitor and resident.

For inquiries regarding this project, you can contact JetB via phone at 03-5919-0055 or email at [email protected].