TV Hokkaido (TVh) has announced the appointment of an "AI Digital Human" utilizing cutting-edge AI technology as an announcer. This rare initiative to use an AI Digital Human as an announcer for terrestrial television broadcasting is starting right here in Hokkaido.

Her Name is "iina"

The name of the new AI announcer is "iina." She was jointly developed by Neuzia Inc., a startup company specializing in AI technology research and development, and TVh. The station announced that this technology will enable them to instantly update and deliver information to viewers, such as daily real-time weather forecasts.

She'll Host the Weather Forecast and Converse with the MC

iina will appear on "Switchin'!", an informational variety show that airs on TVh every Saturday from 11:00 to 11:30 AM. She will also interact with the show's MC, and the station states that "through the broadcast, we will explore with our viewers whether we can overcome the 'uncanny valley,' a challenge for human-like AI."

iina is set to make her first appearance on the broadcast of Saturday, November 18, 2023. Depending on the outcome, they plan to "consider expanding her role to other programs in the future."

The question of whether she can overcome the "uncanny valley" is drawing attention from all over Japan.