ITRI and III Showcase Six Advanced Digital Innovations at Kaohsiung Pier-2

The 2026 Taiwan Culture and Technology Conference (TTXC) officially opened today at the Pier-2 Art Center in Kaohsiung. This annual event serves not only as a key intersection for the domestic culture and technology sectors but also showcases Taiwan’s latest achievements in digital innovation. At this year’s exhibition, the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) and the Information Industry Development Foundation (IIDF) joined forces to unveil six forward-looking cultural technology solutions that have drawn significant attention. These technologies span multiple domains, including generative artificial intelligence (AI) for artistic audio-visual content, photorealistic 3D model construction, light field stereoscopic imaging, visual-haptic interaction, smart venue applications, and AI-assisted musical co-performance. Together, they open up new possibilities and imaginative spaces for future digital art experiences.

In recent years, the global cultural industry has undergone a profound transformation driven by artificial intelligence and digital technology. Artistic creation is no longer confined to traditional media and forms; instead, it is rapidly evolving toward immersive, interactive, and cross-disciplinary directions. The joint exhibition by ITRI and IIDF at the Pier-2 Art Center in Kaohsiung aligns precisely with this international trend. By translating robust scientific research capabilities into tools for cultural performance, the two institutions have demonstrated Taiwan’s hard power in technological R&D while injecting strong technological momentum into the local cultural and creative industries. This enables artists and creators to utilize more advanced tools to realize their creative concepts.

Among the six forward-looking technologies on display, generative AI for artistic audio-visual content and AI musical co-performance stand out as the finest embodiments of the fusion between technology and art. Generative AI technology allows creators to produce complex visual images of high aesthetic value in an extremely short time, breaking down the high barriers and time constraints previously associated with producing high-quality audio-visual content. Meanwhile, AI musical co-performance explores new possibilities for human-machine collaboration, enabling performers to engage in improvised musical dialogue with AI systems. This real-time interaction not only enriches the layers of musical performance but also delivers an unprecedented audiovisual shock and sense of participation to the live audience.

Beyond breakthroughs in the audio-visual domain, the exhibition also presents stunning innovations in spatial and tactile experiences. Technologies such as photorealistic 3D model construction and light field stereoscopic imaging can capture real-world objects and spaces with extreme precision and render them in a realistic three-dimensional manner within a digital environment. This holds significant implications for the digital preservation of cultural assets, the establishment of virtual museums, and the development of immersive exhibitions. When combined with visual-haptic interaction technology, viewers in the virtual world can not only “see” artworks but also feel the texture and temperature of materials through advanced haptic feedback, thereby thoroughly breaking the physical limitation of traditional exhibitions where items could only be viewed but not touched.

The introduction of smart venue technology demonstrates how technology can optimize the overall viewing experience of arts and cultural performances. Through the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart management systems, exhibition venues can make real-time adjustments based on the movements and needs of visitors, providing smoother and more personalized guidance and interactive services. This not only enhances operational efficiency but also ensures that every attendee receives a unique exhibition experience. The integrated application of these technologies is gradually changing the way the public participates in cultural activities, transforming what was once a one-way viewing behavior into a two-way, in-depth engagement.

As the 2026 TTXC Taiwan Culture and Technology Conference continues its exhibition at the Pier-2 Art Center in Kaohsiung, the six forward-looking technologies jointly launched by ITRI and IIDF have undoubtedly set a new milestone for the development of cultural technology in Taiwan. This is not merely a showcase of technological achievements but also a vital practice in promoting digital transformation across industry, government, academia, and research. Looking ahead, if these innovative technologies are further implemented in commercial applications and daily arts and cultural performances, they will help enhance the international competitiveness of Taiwan’s cultural industry and continue to lead new trends in global digital art experiences.

(Source: Central News Agency)