In an exclusive with TimesTech, Ankit Sinha, Co-Founder & CTO of Tagbin, discusses how the company is revolutionizing experiential technology using AI, AR, and VR, and addressing ethical concerns along the way.
Read the full interview here:
TimesTech: How does Tagbin use AI, AR, and VR to create immersive experiential solutions, and what inspired this approach?
Mr. Ankit: Tagbin ingeniously harnesses AI, AR, and VR to satisfy the burgeoning need for immersive experiences among consumers. Our inspiration emanates from a commitment to take viewers beyond passive content consumption and immerse them in engaging narratives that resonate deeply. We’ve realized that contemporary audiences crave active participation in experiences, which we use as an insight that guides our innovation.
Our flagship creation, G.I.T.A., is evidence of this quest for AI-enabled interactive user engagement. In a recent collaboration with the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Department, we also elevated immersive storytelling to new heights using group VR to transport individuals into alternate realities right inside a bus. These examples underscore our dedication to crafting sensory-rich experiences.
TimesTech: Could you explain how AI-driven personalisation works at Tagbin and its impact on user experiences?
Mr. Ankit: AI-driven personalization at Tagbin is a significant asset, making user experiences truly exceptional. For example, our product “Talk To Modi” offers users the chance to have one-on-one conversations with the Prime Minister, providing advice and insights based on his experiences. It’s a remarkable way to introduce AI in an engaging manner. About 20% of our project workloads are now AI-driven. This personalized content significantly boosts user engagement and conversions, leading to greater customer satisfaction. We’ve also automated content moderation using AI, making our processes more efficient while ensuring users receive safe, appropriate, and relevant content. For event management, AI has allowed us to capture drone images of attendees and precisely identify and count individuals. This level of personalization guarantees users get exactly what they need or want, greatly enhancing satisfaction and engagement.
TimesTech: How do AR and VR enhance customer engagement in your projects? Can you share some examples?
Mr. Ankit: AR and VR are essential drivers of elevated customer engagement in our projects, leaving a profound impact on user experiences. These cutting-edge technologies bridge the digital and physical realms, immersing users in captivating and educational interactions. Our Rohtang Immersive Bus project, for instance. Here, customers are virtually transported to the breathtaking Rohtang Pass, where they can explore and savor the scenic beauty. This amalgamation of real and digital worlds creates an indelible adventure, etching lasting memories.
The essence lies in creating interactions that not only inform but deeply connect with users, forging stronger bonds with our clients. Beyond imparting information, AR and VR empower individuals to virtually traverse places and situations they might never otherwise encounter. These technologies open doors to unparalleled experiences that resonate long after the encounter.
TimesTech: What challenges have you faced in implementing AI, AR, and VR in experiential technology, and how does Tagbin address ethical concerns?
Mr. Ankit: Leveraging AI, AR, and VR in experiential technology at Tagbin has indeed been exhilarating, yet it hasn’t been devoid of challenges.
From a technical perspective, the colossal processing power required for projects like AR and Group VR has been a significant obstacle. Ethical concerns have equally been at the forefront of our journey. Issues such as voice cloning and the recreation of appearances raise profound ethical questions. Respecting users’ rights and ensuring the judicious use of these technologies are of paramount importance. We advocate for a clear understanding of consent and boundaries, ensuring that these practices are always creator-approved. We tackle these challenges through robust content management, ethical data practices, and all-encompassing solutions. Upholding users’ rights and privacy isn’t just a legal obligation; it’s the bedrock of our approach to crafting immersive experiences.
TimesTech: How does Tagbin blend technology and human experiences, and what role do AI, AR, and VR play in this approach?
Mr. Ankit: Tagbin’s signature approach revolves around harmonizing technology and human experiences, forging a unique blend of immersive interactions. AI, as a cornerstone of our approach, enhances personalization and interactivity. Through AI, we customize user experiences, tailoring journeys to align with individual preferences and creating meaningful engagements.
On the creative front, AR and VR step into the limelight. VR immerses users in entirely new virtual realms, transcending physical boundaries, while AR enriches real-world environments with additional layers of digital information and interactivity. The true magic transpires when these technologies converge. AI ensures that users receive precisely what they need and desire, making experiences more personal and engaging. AR augments real-world surroundings, adding knowledge and depth to user encounters. Meanwhile, VR whisks users away to uncharted digital territories, delivering truly extraordinary experiences.
TimesTech: Can you share a project that posed unique challenges in implementing AI, AR, or VR and the impact it had on your team and clients?
Mr. Ankit: One project that significantly challenged our team involved the development of the Group VR Experience for the Himachal Tourism Board. This project demanded an astonishing 32K resolution displayed on transparent screens to achieve the desired level of immersion. The catch, however, was the immense processing power required. Moreover, the content had to be efficiently delivered over networks that were neither centralized nor distributed.
In the realm of AI, we encountered a distinct challenge – the inherent lack of complete control. AI systems sometimes generate ambiguous or inaccurate responses, particularly in applications that touch upon sensitive topics like our “Life of Narendra Modi” project. In public settings, it’s our responsibility to ensure that the AI does not provide inappropriate or false information. This necessitates ongoing efforts to maintain accuracy and ethical AI use.
These challenges had a profound impact on both our team and clients. Overcoming these technical obstacles demanded substantial investments of time, resources, and expertise. Furthermore, it underscored the critical importance of ethical and responsible AI use for us and our clients. These experiences have deepened our focus and commitment to delivering exceptional solutions while navigating the intricacies of AI, AR, and VR daily.
