Who are Virtual Humans and What do they do?

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Virtual Humans, a concept that may have sounded like a dream or a piece of fiction not all that long ago, have now become a reality. In fact, these are fast becoming an essential part of today's world. These computer-generated entities, equipped with the capability to seemingly act and think like real human beings, have evolved considerably in recent times. Benefitting from advanced algorithms and ever-evolving state-of-the-art technologies, virtual humans are changing the way we interact with machines and software programs.

The very idea of virtual humans arose from the need to create intelligent software that could simulate or emulate human-like responses, like the way we see chatbots do. However, with advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning, the sheer abilities of virtual humans have expanded significantly. Today virtual humans are being used for complex applications that include gaming, education, training, healthcare, customer service, and so on. Let us look at these applications in a little detail here:

Gaming

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One of the most popular deployments of virtual humans is in gaming. With virtual humans, game developers can create more realistic, immersive experiences for the players. For example, in role-playing games, virtual humans can act as the game's unvanquished and undefeatable characters, providing an engaging and interactive experience. Besides, virtual humans can help in developing new, innovative games that can keep the players engrossed for hours on end. 

Education

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In the field of education, virtual humans are changing the way we learn and train. These programs can act as teachers or tutors, guiding students through the learning process. Additionally, virtual humans can be used to create interactive simulations for training, providing learners with real-life scenarios that they can experience in a safe virtual environment. 

Healthcare

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Virtual humans also play a significant role in healthcare. For instance, they can help in simulating medical procedures and surgeries, allowing doctors to train without any risk to the patients. They can also act as medical assistants, helping patients in managing their medications and answering their questions. Additionally, virtual humans can assist in diagnosing mental health disorders and providing mental health treatment as well. This is on account of a lack of stigma in seeking help from automated virtual human beings. 

Customer Service 

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Customer Service is another industry that is significantly benefiting from virtual humans. These programs can interact with customers through chat or voice assistants, providing immediate support and assistance. Besides, virtual humans can help businesses to improve their services by gathering feedback from customers and identifying areas that need improvement.

Conclusion

Virtual humans have become an integral part of today's world, and their capabilities are only growing by the day. With advancements in technology, these programs will continue to revolutionize the way we interact with machines and software. While virtual humans cannot entirely replace real human beings, they can provide an excellent opportunity to augment the human workforce. In the coming years, we can expect to see more complex and innovative applications of virtual humans that will further shape the future of various industries and organizations.