Are we closer to Westworld becoming real?
If you still haven’t seen the hit HBO Show Westworld created by Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy with one of the best instrumental renditions of “Paint it Black” along with starring the incredibly talented Evan Rachel Wood, Jeffrey Wright, Ed Harris, and more…well I have no idea what you have been doing.
*I am clearly a big fan*
"Westworld" is a series that features a futuristic amusement park where guests can interact with lifelike androids in a Wild West setting (at least for the first season).
The show explores themes of artificial intelligence, consciousness, ethics, and the nature of reality. As the androids, known as “hosts,” begin to exhibit signs of consciousness and, ultimately, rebellion. The series is known for its philosophical depth, intricate plot twists, and exploration of human nature through the lens of technology.
Now if you are a fan of the show, how do you feel about the the AI-Humanoid robot revealed by Futuri?
During the highly anticipated NAB Show 2024, Daniel Anstandig, CEO of Futuri, presented alongside Ameca, an AI-powered humanoid, sharing insights from an extensive study on AI's impact on media. The study, conducted in collaboration with CMG Custom Research, surveyed nearly 5,200 radio and TV news consumers in the United States. This comprehensive research uncovered valuable insights into audience perceptions, expectations, and the evolving landscape of AI-driven media content.
Daniel Anstandig, CEO of Futuri and Ameca, the AI-Humanoid robot.
Some key findings from the study shared:
Audiences are ready for AI
People cannot easily distinguish between human and AI audio content
Audiences have a growing desire for customizable AI hosts
Audiences want AI use disclosed: 90% of respondents want clear disclosure when content or hosts themselves are powered by AI
Now you may be saying, “That all sounds interesting but why the creepy humaniod?”, which is frankly what I was thinking.
Anstandig closed out his keynote by saying: “We chose to present the findings of this comprehensive consumer study with Ameca (the humanoid robot), because we wanted to demonstrate embracing AI as a co-creator and co-presenter in pursuit of helpful insights and audience engagement. AI is inevitable, and wise adoption and integration by the media industry will be key in the industry’s resilience and growth in a time of unprecedented competition. A strong media industry is good for democracy, and good for society.”
My thoughts
I agree with Anstandig; AI is inevitable and has been integrated into many products longer than most consumers realize. Wise adoption by industries will be key to growth. There's a race to AI, but integration should be thoughtful. What does your audience want? How do they feel about AI? Is it a flashy feature or a solution to a real problem? Presenting AI alongside a humanoid misses the point; it should be seen as a tool, not a thinking entity. The fear surrounding AI can be mitigated by showing it as a co-creator, not a replacement.
I'm optimistic about AI in various industries, especially entertainment. Do people want robotic radio hosts or movies with AI actors?
Are we nearing a future with Wild West-inspired theme parks with AI hosts, or will "Westworld" remain great sci-fi television?
More insights are available at https://futurimedia.com/ai-in-media-study-futuri-nab/
