ESTsoft (CEO Chung Sang-won), a company specializing in AI services, announced on the 24th that it has worked with KT to deliver an innovative fan experience using AI human technology at the KBO season opener — a first in the history of Korean professional baseball.
The collaboration formed part of the 'AI Stadium' project, which refits KT Wiz Park in Suwon with a range of AI technologies to coincide with the launch of KT's new AI brand.
At the opening game, ESTsoft drew on the technology behind PERSO.ai — its AI human video production and auto-dubbing service — to render a KT Wiz foreign player as an AI human and support communication with the crowd.
The moment when star foreign player Rojas greeted the crowd in Korean, in his own voice and with accurate lip movement, on the large new AI display board installed by KT Wiz astonished a crowd of 20,000 and demonstrated PERSO.ai's potential in sports entertainment.
The two companies agreed to continue collaborating, including using PERSO.ai to deliver a range of fan services featuring KT Wiz AI human players through 'AI Human inning events'.
A KT representative said: "To coincide with the launch of KT's new AI brand, we prepared an AI Stadium at KT Wiz Park with a range of AI services so the public can experience AI in everyday life," adding, "KT will keep advancing the AI Stadium so the ballpark gives fans an innovative AI experience."
ESTsoft Executive Director Byun Kye-pung said: "We are delighted to introduce our collaboration with KT at a game as meaningful as the season opener," adding, "We will work to keep showcasing PERSO.ai's innovation in sports entertainment as well."
ESTsoft also showcased PERSO.ai at CES earlier this year, where it drew strong interest from global companies in sports entertainment, including Major League Baseball clubs.