We've heard about internet deepfakes which can be used to deceive people, but the photo above is the kind of deepfake we want.
Yep. That dolphin above is not a living dolphin. It is a hyper-real robotic creation by Edge Innovations, a "San Francisco-based design, development, and production studio."
the team, led by former walt disney imagineering creatives, has been working on a hyper-real robotic dolphin intended on reimagining the entertainment, educational, and business potential of the marine animal industry. these real-time animatronics (or mechatronic puppets) bring together live puppeteering, programmed behavior, and artificial intelligence to create a totally unique experience.
edge innovations says that the hyper-real creatures could be a way to reinvent the marine entertainment industry with a sustainable, safe, and profitable future. ‘as captive marine mammal shows have fallen from favor; and the catching, transporting and breeding of marine animals has become more restricted, the marine park industry as a viable business has become more challenging – yet the audience appetite for this type of entertainment and education has remained constant,’ explains the team at edge innovations.
Images taken from Design Boom's Website.