Lenovo's AI Revives Extinct Creatures in VR Exhibit


01/27/2025


Lenovo, in partnership with the Shanghai Natural History Museum, unveiled the "Awakening Earth’s Majestic Creatures with AI" digital exhibition on November 9. Utilizing Lenovo's innovative spatial computing combined with AI-generated content (AIGC), this initiative brings to life three notable museum specimens: the Yangtze River Baiji dolphin, the fin whale, and the mammoth. Visitors can dive into a VR environment where they can interact with these creatures in environments tailored to their natural habitats, enhancing both education and engagement.
 
The Stories of Iconic Specimens 
The choice of these creatures was inspired by their unique narratives and emotional resonance. Qiqi, the Baiji dolphin, became a symbol of conservation after his death on July 14, 2002. Captured in 1980, he lived for 23 years in captivity at the Institute of Hydrobiology, offering significant insights into the life of the nearly extinct Yangtze River dolphin, whose wild population is now less than 100. His story, as one of the last of his kind, played a crucial role in raising global awareness about the species.
 
‘AI + Culture’ Initiative 
Lenovo's approach involves using AI to virtually resurrect these species, providing an immersive learning experience. By employing high-precision scans and sophisticated AI algorithms alongside manual restoration, the project constructs precise digital replicas. This not only preserves the physical attributes of these animals but also narrates their stories, making the experience profoundly educational and touching.
 
The use of spatial computing with AIGC technology allows for the rapid processing of vast data sets, leading to the creation of detailed 3D models and interactive scenarios. Lenovo is at the forefront of merging spatial computing with AI, revolutionizing cultural heritage interaction and setting new standards for future technological applications.

Mao Shijie, Lenovo's Vice President and head of the Shanghai Research Institute, stated, "With AI's progression, the realms of science fiction are turning into reality. AI is dismantling barriers to knowledge, enabling a deeper public engagement with biodiversity. This digital exhibition, 'Awakening Earth’s Majestic Creatures with AI,' showcases our commitment to expanding 'AI + Culture' applications."

This pioneering digital endeavor by Lenovo highlights how advanced technology can be harnessed to safeguard our planet's biodiversity. The "Awakening Earth’s Majestic Creatures with AI" exhibit acts as a compelling invitation for global participation in biodiversity conservation, painting a vision of a world where humans and nature live in symbiosis.