Antonio Inoki will return as an AI robot.
In September 2022, the wrestling world said goodbye to Antonio Inoki, the founder of New Japan Pro-Wrestling, as he passed away at the age of 79. More than three years later, a new project will keep his spirit alive.
Inoki Genki Factory (IGF), AVITA Corporation, and SMBC Value Creation have jointly announced the launch of “Android Inoki” project, which plans to bring a three-dimensional humanoid robot of Inoki to life.
Through the use of advanced AI and humanoid technologies, the project aims to “embody” Inoki’s presence while also relaying Inoki’s ideas and accomplishments in a way that “allows dialogue with future generations.”
With the collaborative efforts of IGF, SMBC Value Creation, and AVITA Corporation, whose CEO is leading android research and development, expect Hiroshi Ishiguro, the “Android Inoki” is scheduled for completion on February 20, 2027. This will also mark what would have been Inoki’s 84th birthday.
A press conference promoting the project took place last week in Tokyo, with Ishiguro in attendance. Additional guests included Keisuke Inoki, president of IGF and younger brother of Antonio Inoki, chairman and CEO of OSG Corporation, Tsuyoshi Yukawa, and Kota Tanahashi, head of Avatar Business at SMBC Value Creation.
Last year, the parties unveiled a virtual “AI Inoki.” With more time and technology, though, it appears that fans of the late NJPW legend will soon be able to interact with a physical model of him.
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