Applications
Virtual Humans are highly realistic and interactive digital representations of people. They are used in both entertainment and serious applications. Besides their widespread use in video games and virtual media productions, virtual humans are increasingly seen in roles such as influencers, instructors, newscasters and even as pharmacy assistants, doctors and patients in health care and therapy.

Technology is evolving faster than light. Keeping up with the latest developments, understanding their social applications and mitigating the associated risks is a major challenge. What does this mean for our society? And what does it mean for the individual? As a knowledge center for artificial intelligence based in Tilburg, MindLabs plays a pioneering role in this development. We coordinate the research and development of virtual humans and bring frontrunners such as Breda University of Applied Sciences, Fontys University, Yonder and Tilburg University together with the business community to develop, share knowledge and develop practical cases.

Welcome to MAI house
During Dutch Design Week, the “Welcome to MAI House” project offers visitors a unique opportunity to learn about MAI, MindLabs' virtual human, in an accessible, interactive environment. Guests enter an experimental space where they can experience how virtual humans function in various interactions.

This house aims not only to show the technical possibilities of virtual humans, but also to initiate a dialogue about their future in our society. How far are we willing to go in using this technology? What are the ethical and societal implications? By allowing visitors to actively experiment with MAI, a space is created for reflection on the boundaries between man and machine, and how technology can change the way we communicate and learn.

In “MAI house,” virtual humans display emotions and allow for natural conversation. Following this, we will discuss the role of these virtual interlocutors. Can a virtual human help make someone aware of the importance of good nutrition? Or encourage someone to exercise daily? Or could the virtual human perhaps play a role in the social environment of lonely elderly people, for example? “MAI House” offers an innovative and interactive experience that perfectly matches the progressive character of Dutch Design Week. It allows visitors to explore the future of human interaction with technology and provides a platform for discussion about the impact of virtual humans on our society.

Digital Innovation District for Society 
The further development of MAI as a human avatar fits the ambition of Tilburg as a city of innovation. To this end, funds have been made available by the state in the form of a RegioDeal for Central Brabant. Tilburg is fully committed to the young innovation district Spoorzone by stimulating collaborations between knowledge and educational institutions, businesses, governments and social partners, with a pivotal role for MindLabs.

Learn more about Dutch Design Week via the website. Visit 'Welcome to MAI house' at Klokgebouw, Hal 3, plot 3.16. 

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Watch the making of MAI here.
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