SB Intuitions and AiHUB Begin Joint-research

Background to the joint research

Development of large language models of varying sizes is continuing and the expressive power of generative AI is advancing. However, for this technology to penetrate the real world and be used by even more users it will be important to have intuitive interfaces with a high degree of affinity that are easy to use. Therefore, in addition to large language models, it is also necessary at the same time to embark on research of virtual human technology, which is a highly sophisticated combination of various elements, including CG, 3D vision^※, motion generation, and voice synthesis.

* Refers to equipment that can recognize objects in 3D.

Overview of the joint research

We will advance the following research and development as part of this joint research.

• Building of sophisticated dialogue systems based on large language models with high Japanese language capabilities
• Building of virtual humans that seem even more real to users
• Generation of movements and expressions for virtual humans that match what is being spoken
• Generation of natural movements for virtual humans

Roles of each company

SB Intuitions

• Research and development of pre-training for large language models
• Research and development for dialogue tuning for large language models
• Research and development related to dialogue systems (including peripheral subsystems)

AiHUB

• Research and development of foundation models for virtual humans
• Research and development of movements, expressions and lip movements matching what is being spoken and context
• Research and development of UIUX through large language model orchestration

Future outlook

We are working to develop dialogue agents that feel as if they have a “soul” by expanding virtual human characters, drawing natural-looking characters that blend in with their backgrounds and surrounding environments, and through movement generation for characters fostering a sense of friendship and greater affinity with users.

Overview of AiHUB

AiHUB is engaged in the research and development of foundation models originating from Japan's open-source community for generative AI. It is also focused on research and business development related to multimodel foundational models specializing in Japanese entertainment, such as anime, virtual humans, and AITubers, as well as AI orchestration, striving to be No. 1 in the entertainment AI field.

Company name: AiHUB Inc.
Date established: April 21, 2023
Name of representative: CEO Ray Sonoda, CTO Mono Arai
Location: MA SQUARE AKIHABARA 4F, 2-1-1 Kanda-Sudacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 101-0041, Japan
URL: https://aihub.co.jp/

Overview of SB Intuitions Corp.

SB Intuitions is focused on researching large language models specialized for the Japanese language and developing peripheral services. It aims to become the performance leader for Japanese among large language models produced in Japan.
With our models, we strive to truly reflect Japanese culture and values and provide services aligned with Japanese business practices, and we continue our daily research to ensure that our technology and services contribute to the everyday lives and businesses of our diverse customers.

Company name: SB Intuitions Corp.
Date established: March 27, 2023 (company name changed on August 1, 2023)
Representative: President & CEO Hironobu Tamba
Location: 1-7-1, Kaigan, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
URL: https://www.sbintuitions.co.jp/