Can ChatGPT crystal-ball gaze and predict future uses of four AI technologies developed by NTU’s computing researchers? Yes, and quite creatively to boot
by Dr Daphne Ng + ChatGPT / Visuals by Vivian Lim + Midjourney
AI that turns you into a master of the dance floor
The AI innovation: An algorithm created by PhD student Tan Wang, in collaboration with Microsoft, transforms a still photo of a person into a vibrant dance performance.
FUTURE APPLICATIONS OF THE INNOVATION
A cure for two left feet
Say goodbye to long hours spent practising intricate dance moves for that TikTok clip. Just use an app that instantly turns you into the star of your own dance video. Share your epic dance videos with friends, or maybe even go viral on social media.
Your workout companion
Seeing your avatar nailing dance moves in a virtual dance workout could be just the inspo you need to jazz up your daily exercise routine.
AI that makes photos talk
The AI innovation: This program developed by Assoc Prof Lu Shijian generates realistic “talking heads” from an audio clip and headshot.
FUTURE APPLICATIONS OF THE INNOVATION
Your chatty digital twin
Take a selfie and see it come alive. Your AI “twin” will always be ready to chill with you or lend a listening ear when you need to vent.
Lifelike reenactments of historic events
Thanks to AI-generated avatars, monumental speeches, game-changing moments and epic events could leap off the pages and into our world. If you are learning about Martin Luther King Jr, get “him” to deliver his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech in front of you, as though you’re right there on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in 1963.
AI that reads emotions in text
The AI innovation: This software by Prof Erik Cambria decodes the emotions expressed by words.
FUTURE APPLICATIONS OF THE INNOVATION
On-the-go AI therapists
By picking up on subtle cues in your messages that suggest that you might be feeling anxious or down, an AI therapist in your phone could help you get over rough patches.
Lectures customised for your emotional state
In the classroom of tomorrow, your AI tutor will be able to tell if you are feeling frustrated with learning difficult concepts. If you are stuck or confused, it will provide helpful hints or a different way to tackle the topic. When you’re totally nailing it, the AI could offer more challenging materials or quizzes, keeping the learning journey as engaging as your favourite game or Netflix series.
AI that restores authenticity in altered faces
The AI innovation: A groundbreaking algorithm developed by Asst Prof Liu Ziwei detects altered photos and restores them to their original form.
FUTURE APPLICATIONS OF THE INNOVATION
Online truth detectors
AI digital truth detectors that spot sneakily altered images in news articles or Instagram stories may give you the peace of mind that you are sharing authentic information on social media.
Catfishing constable
By flagging doctored profile photos, this AI tool may make online interactions safer and more honest.
Crime-busting digital sleuths
Law enforcement agencies could solve crimes more swiftly in the future with the aid of AI detectives that identify forgery and restore the truth behind altered evidence.
Thoughts on using AI
How we used AI in this story:
We tested ChatGPT’s ability to reason by asking it to envisage exciting applications of four AI technologies developed by NTU researchers; Midjourney generated visuals of the future scenarios based on text prompts.
: ChatGPT came up with compelling ideas almost instantaneously, and its responses were surprisingly creative yet plausible.
: Word count requests were ignored. Inaccuracy was sometimes an issue.
: To nudge the AI towards the desired images, we often had to tell it what we didn’t want to see.
This story was published in the Mar-Apr 2024 issue of HEY!. To read it and other stories from this issue in print, click here.
