AMMAN — The Princess Sumaya University for Technology (PSUT) on Tuesday hosted an online lecture titled "Avatars and the Future Society," delivered by Hiroshi Ishiguro from Osaka University.

 

The lecture was held under the patronage of HRH Princess Sumaya, Chair of the Board of Trustees of PSUT, in cooperation with the Japanese embassy in Amman, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

 

Ishiguro presented autonomous robots and avatar technologies, including remotely controlled robots and computer graphic characters, explaining how these technologies enable individuals to participate in activities remotely without physical presence.

 

Ishiguro stressed the importance of building an inclusive society for individuals of diverse backgrounds and values, highlighting the potential of avatar technologies to support caregivers and parents by enabling flexible participation in work and social life.

 

The professor outlined how avatar technologies remove physical, mental, spatial, and temporal constraints, allowing individuals to manage multiple virtual personas across employment, education, medical services, and social interactions.

 

PSUT President Wejdan Abu Elhaija welcomed the collaboration with the Japanese embassy, underscoring the role of international academic partnerships in driving scientific innovation and preparing students for rapid technological advances.

 

Japanese Ambassador to Jordan Hideki Asari expressed appreciation to the university for organising the lecture, reaffirming the embassy's commitment to enhancing academic ties and encouraging students to explore future technological capabilities.

 

Ishiguro, who holds a PhD from Osaka University and currently directs the Moonshot Research and Development Program and AVITA Corporation, is known for creating the android Geminoid.

 

His research focuses on interactive robotics, avatar technology, and android science, earning him numerous accolades, including the Tateisi Award and an honorary doctorate from Aarhus University of Denmark.