AI-driven 3D avatars will serve as multilingual virtual guides and customer service agents, offering real-time interactions for navigation and recommendations across Nankai's network.

A key element of the initiative is the Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Network (DePIN), which distributes computing power throughout the city to minimize bandwidth costs and latency for AI experiences.

Mawari has partnered with Nankai Electric Railway, Meta Osaka, and e-stadium to launch the 'Digital Entertainment City Namba' in Osaka, Japan, which aims to become the world's first smart city integrating AI, XR, and decentralized physical infrastructure technologies.

The success or failure of Digital Entertainment City Namba could set a precedent for future urban AI integrations, potentially influencing whether it becomes a model for other cities or a cautionary tale.

The project seeks to transform transit spaces into interactive digital hubs, providing multilingual assistance and flexible employment opportunities.

This initiative is designed to address Japan's projected labor shortages, especially in tourism and customer service, by deploying AI avatars to fill staffing gaps and create remote work opportunities.

The project aims to enhance tourism by providing multilingual 3D guides and XR content, which is expected to attract foreign visitors to Osaka, a city that welcomed 23 million tourists in 2023.

Luis Oscar Ramirez, CEO of Mawari, highlighted the project's goal of making immersive AI experiences accessible and impactful for communities, emphasizing its significance for the mass adoption of AI-driven technologies.

Local stakeholders are optimistic that the project will enhance urban engagement and improve public space experiences, particularly in modernizing railway stations and their surroundings.

Mawari has a strong track record, having implemented over 50 XR projects globally since 2019, showcasing its expertise in spatial computing and digital content management.

This initiative represents an experiment in merging digital and physical experiences at a city-wide level, aiming to support local economies through innovative digital services.

Mawari’s XR streaming technology will allow users to see AI avatars overlaid on real-world landmarks through AR glasses or smartphones, enriching visitor experiences at iconic locations like Namba Parks and Tsutenkaku Tower.