A New Way to Communicate

Professor Hiroshi Ishiguro, a global leader in robotics and CEO of AVITA, introduced a key idea: avatars are not just an evolution of video—they represent an entirely new communication medium.

Unlike fully autonomous AI systems, avatars act according to the intentions of a human operator or through hybrid models. This enables more natural, human-like, and flexible interactions.

His long-term vision, aligned with Japan’s Moonshot Project, is ambitious: to free humans from the constraints of body, location, and time by 2050.

A Transformation Driven by Society

This technological evolution is not happening in isolation. Demographic challenges—particularly aging populations and labor shortages in countries like Japan—are accelerating adoption.

Avatars enable:

• Workforce inclusion for elderly individuals and people with disabilities
• Cross-border remote work in a global labor market
• Reduced bias and discrimination based on physical appearance

Real-World Use Cases

Far from being science fiction, avatars are already delivering value across multiple industries:

Healthcare

Remote consultations via avatars, connecting specialists with rural or underserved hospitals.

Education

International and personalized learning experiences led by avatar-based instructors.

Retail & Services

Customer support in environments where hiring staff is challenging.

Events & Public Spaces

Large-scale deployments, including initiatives planned for Expo 2025 Osaka.

The Role of Telcos

Telecom operators are uniquely positioned to lead this transformation. Their role can evolve in three key ways:

• Operators of avatar infrastructure
• Providers of advanced real-time communication services
• Key enablers through 5G and future 6G networks

In this context, avatars represent a natural progression—from voice, to video, to interactive digital presence.

From Vision to Reality: The AVITA Case

Founded in 2021 in Tokyo, AVITA has already worked with over 300 clients and delivered more than 15,000 avatar use cases. Its clients include major telecom operators such as SoftBank, KDDI, and NTT Docomo.

Its offering combines:

• Computer-generated (CG) avatars, currently the most mature solution
• Physical humanoids, still in early stages
• Hybrid operational models (90% AI, 10% human intervention)

Concrete Telco Applications

Retail Stores

Avatar concierges handle basic customer interactions, reducing front-desk costs by up to 40%.

Training & Development

Avatar-based simulations for sales and customer service training, with measurable improvements in performance.

New Business Models

Telcos can commercialize avatar platforms or “avatar booths” bundled with connectivity services.

Challenges Ahead

Despite strong momentum, several challenges remain:

• Security and potential misuse
• The need for regulation and operator certification
• Technical limitations, such as battery life in humanoid robots

A Real and Immediate Opportunity

The key takeaway is clear: avatars are no longer futuristic—they are a present-day business opportunity.

While humanoid robotics is still evolving, CG avatars are already delivering:

• Strong return on investment
• Operational efficiencies
• New revenue streams

For telecom operators, this represents a unique opportunity to position themselves at the center of the next wave of innovation: the convergence of human and machine interaction in real time.

The future of communication will not just be about seeing and hearing—it will be about being present, anywhere.