2024/07/21
News Reference Materials of the Virtual Anchor from the Ministry of National Defense
New Press Reference of the Ministry of National Defense
Time: July 21, 2024 at 10:00
For the first time the Armed Forces have used artificial intelligence (AI) to develop virtual anchors, and placed them in the Han Kuang No. 40 combat exercise to verify their effectiveness. With reference to experience in adopting virtual anchors in Russo-Ukrainian War to reduce battle losses and improve communication efficiency, the Ministry of National Defense (MND) has combined domestic AI technology to launch virtual anchors for the first time as reported by the Military News Agency (MNA). Within context, real-person facial modeling is adopted to quickly convert voice broadcast into the languages of 18 countries, helping to increase international strategic communication.
In response to the rise of generative AI and experience from the Russo-Ukraine war, the MND has considered the innovative application of AI of great importance, and has employed a proof-of-concept project using domestic technology to develop virtual anchors. The system can translate text content into multiple languages, combine facial expressions and gestures, and produce broadcast videos.
Working in conjunction with actual military drills of the Han Kuang No. 40 Exercise, the virtual anchors broadcast as the FB spokesperson of the MND, IG, X, and Threads platform, and related accounts of the MND. It also provides videos in Chinese, English, Japanese, and other languages to accumulate operational experience, continuously improving system efficiency, and enhancing international strategic communication. These videos are marked with an AI-generated warning in the picture based on the Reference Guidelines for the Use of Generative AI by the Executive Yuan and Affiliated Agencies (Institutions) so the public are aware that the messages are AI-generated.