Virtual Guardia Civil: AI-Powered Avatars to Enhance Citizen Interaction and Manage Procedures
In an exciting development, the Ministry of the Interior in Spain is set to launch a pilot project called Virtual Guardia Civil that will utilize artificial intelligence (AI) to create super-realistic avatars of agents. These avatars will be deployed through interactive screens to enhance citizen interactions and manage procedures in Guardia Civil posts. This innovative system aims to improve the quality of care for citizens residing in Spain, particularly in light of the demographic challenge and the personal and professional conditions of the Corps members.
The previous pilot scheme, initiated approximately eight years ago in Torrevieja, allowed members of the public to interact remotely with Guardia Civil officers via a small booth. However, this scheme quietly disappeared soon after its launch. Now, Torrevieja has been selected as one of the locations for the new pilot project, which will involve AI-generated interpretations of Guardia Civil officers instead of real humans.
The Virtual Guardia Civil project, with a proposed budget of 604,814 euro and a duration of two years starting from January 2024, aims to address the country’s demographic challenges by utilizing the artificial creation of super-realistic avatars. These avatars, integrated with artificial intelligence and a natural language interface designed for interactive screens, will provide citizen attention in various Guardia Civil posts across Spain.
The initial implementation of this pilot project is scheduled for Majadahonda in Madrid and Torrevieja in Alicante. Virtual reality panels will be installed to act as a first filter when managing certain procedures carried out by citizens in Guardia Civil offices.
While Torrevieja is not typically considered a rural area, the success of this virtual AI system in managing crime and providing reliable information remains to be seen. According to a recent survey, only 19% of people in Spain believe that AI-generated information is accurate. Furthermore, some academics have discovered that certain AI tools, like ChatGPT, may be becoming less intelligent over time.
Nevertheless, the implementation of AI-powered avatars based on the corporate image of the Guardia Civil has the potential to revolutionize citizen interactions and procedures in law enforcement offices throughout Spain. This pilot project will serve as a crucial test to evaluate the effectiveness and viability of this innovative approach.
In conclusion, the Ministry of the Interior’s Virtual Guardia Civil project holds significant promise for improving public services and enhancing citizen experiences. By leveraging artificial intelligence to create super-realistic avatars, Guardia Civil offices aim to provide efficient and effective assistance to citizens while adapting to the ongoing demographic challenges. The pilot project in Torrevieja, along with the subsequent implementation in other locations, will shed light on the potential of AI-powered avatars to revolutionize citizen interaction and management procedures in law enforcement.
