China’s Xinhua news agency and the search engine Sogou presented the world’s first virtual television news anchor in November 2018 at the World Internet Conference in Wuzhen. The artificial intelligence anchor, named English AI Anchor, was modeled on Zhang Zhao, a real journalist from the Chinese state news agency, and could deliver news broadcasts with simulated human facial expressions, blinking eyes, and subtle head movements.
A Mandarin-language version, based on journalist Qiu Hao, was also introduced. On its debut, the English-language anchor stated: “Hello everyone, I am an artificial intelligence news anchor in English. This is my first day at Xinhua.” The system was developed using machine learning technology to replicate the voices, facial movements, and gestures of human presenters.
Capabilities and Limitations
The artificial anchors could operate continuously, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and could theoretically be replicated indefinitely to present news from different settings. Xinhua explained that the goal was to create “an image that seems human, instead of a cold robot.” However, the anchor required continuous supply of news scripts to function and could not generate content independently.
Xinhua had already begun using robots to write online news articles under human editorial supervision, such as updates on the daily yuan-dollar exchange rate and Shanghai and Shenzhen stock market movements published on Xinhuanet, but the virtual anchor represented a new frontier in automation.
Public Reception
Chinese social media users expressed mixed reactions to the technology. Some found it impressive, while others described it as “frightening” or said watching it “gave them chills.” The innovation reflected China’s advancement in cybernetic technology and its approach to media modernization, though the country continued to face international criticism regarding internet restrictions and state control of information.
Frequently asked questions
Who developed the artificial news anchor?
The technology was created by Sogou, a Chinese search engine company, in collaboration with Xinhua, China’s official state news agency. Both English and Mandarin versions were developed using machine learning to replicate human voices and movements.
How many hours per day could the artificial anchor operate?
The artificial anchor could operate continuously, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, without fatigue. However, it required a constant supply of news scripts to continue functioning.
What was the public reaction in China?
Chinese social media users expressed divided opinions, with some calling the technology impressive while others described it as “frightening” or unsettling to watch.
