Is it possible to “revive” ancient peoples? Is it then possible to interact with them?

Serbia will provide the answer on December 11, when the world premiere of Digital Metahuman is scheduled at the Serbia Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai.

For the first time in history, visitors to the Serbia Pavilion can interact with the authentic, mobile and responsive 3D face of a man who truly lived in prehistoric times and died on the banks of the Danube there. is over 10,000 years old.

The archaeological reconstructions of ancient faces have been known for a long time. Serbian scientists, however, have taken this science to a new level. They combined the knowledge gained through the study of bone (osteology) with the science of DNA and other forensic processes, not only to create an accurate and realistic 3D face of a man who passed away. ten millennia, but to animate it and bring it to life with authentic and responsive facial expressions. Serbian scientists call it digital human technology (DHT).

who was he?

The first Digital Human Technology project is the face of a Neolithic man whose remains were discovered at the Lepenski Vir site in eastern Serbia, on the banks of the Danube. We now know that he was in his 50s when he died, was around 178cm tall, weighed 70kg and ate a lot of fish. He was buried in the “lotus” position, indicating that he had an important role within his community.

Serbian scientist Sofija Stefanović, associate professor in the Department of Archeology at the University of Belgrade, who is supporting this project with experts from a Serbian national games company, explains this remarkable achievement:

“We are using a new technology called Digital Ancient Human (DAH) which combines a number of different methods to produce a scientific osteobiography of ancient peoples. The methods include state-of-the-art protocols for bone studies, such as isotope study to reconstruct the diet, a dental cement cancellation method to reconstruct the precise age at death, computed tomography to reconstruct the level of ‘physical activity and deep 10x ancient DNA sequencing to reconstruct skin, eye and hair color and to discover other phenotypic characteristics, such as lactose tolerance or muscle performance. We used this data to support the physical reconstruction of the face from the bones of the skull. This is then transported from the reconstructed face to the digital biokinetic model which simulates his facial gesticulation.

The achievement of DHT marks a perfect marriage between archeology, science and, exceptionally, gaming technology.

Metahuman can be number one, but there are nine other great reasons to visit:

2. Serbia creates ideas

Besides being one of the few countries in the world to have a national AI strategy and one of the first countries to introduce coding as a compulsory subject in elementary schools, Serbia’s creative industries are l one of the fastest growing branches of the economy.

The theme of the Serbian pavilion is Serbia creates ideas; Inspired by the past, shaping the future and celebrating a nation whose creativity and innovation are deeply rooted in its DNA. Today, Serbia is busy finding creative and innovative solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges, from environmental sustainability to the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and feeding a population. increasing emphasis on public health management.

At the digital exhibits on the second floor of the pavilion, you will discover why Serbia is called the Silicon Valley of the Balkans, why it is at the forefront of e-government and how proud it is to host an e-government hub. European excellence for ICT solutions for agriculture. .

Tip: Check out the Creativity Timeline, which traces more than 10,000 years of inventions and art on Serbian soil.

3. The 7,000-year-old Neolithic culture of Vinča

The Vinča culture changed the course of human history as it marked the very first time that humans settled permanently in cities.

This revolutionary act resulted in an explosion of innovations, including the world’s first known extractive copper metallurgy. It also sparked incredible creativity from artisans specializing in ceramics, jewelry and thread weaving. The Vinča culture has also sparked other types of creative solutions, from extensive business networks to highly developed social relations and conflict resolution procedures.

Vinča was the first company of the modern era, and the Serbia exhibition explores it through six of its most important themes: trade; Community; Technology; Artistic talent; Education and Food and Agriculture.

Tip: Check out the Vinča-inspired two-headed statue by Aleksandr Bunčić, based on one of the most recent artefacts found at an archaeological site in Vinča.

4. The pavilion itself

The striking architecture of the 2,000 m2 Serbia Pavilion is located in the heart of the Expo Mobility District. Just as the Vinča culture sparked many of the world’s most revolutionary ideas in the past, the Serbian pavilion does today – with its design reminiscent of the sloping roof of a Neolithic dwelling in Vinča. It showcases Serbia’s contributions to the future of humanity, with digitization, AI and virtual reality at its core.

Tip: Check out the staff uniforms designed by award-winning film and theater costume designer Ivana Vasić English.

5. Sustainable relaxation zone

A visit to Expo 2020 can be exhausting. The ideal place for this is our relaxation area where unique hand-woven cushions await you with the Pirot design. The Strawberry Smart Bench in the Serbian Pavilion Garden is the first of its kind to bring free solar power and connectivity to public spaces.

6. Experiment with Tesla

Nikola Tesla (1856-1943) was a Serbian physicist, engineer and inventor who patented many revolutionary inventions that radically advanced human civilization. These include multiphase system inventions, pioneering robotics, wireless transmission and over 300 patents, all using sustainability technology.

Tesla has built many motors that are irreplaceable today more than 130 years after inventing them. He created the first induction motor in 1883. But the marketable version of 1887 is what supports nearly 80% of today’s global industry.

Tesla’s streetlighting based on the AC system was first presented to the public at the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893. At the New York Electrical Exhibition in 1898. Tesla amazed the public by demonstrating it. ‘a remote-controlled boat, the first modern robot.

Tip: Visit the VR exhibit on the 2nd floor for a breathtaking, immersive experience into Tesla’s most important and important inventions.

7. Have fun

From the royalty of Balkan music Goran Bregović to world famous classical violin superstar Stefan Milenković, to famous jazz bassist Nenad Vasilić, jazz singer Sofia Knežević to a musical performance combining captivating traditional instruments with a setting On a modern stage, the Serbian music program offers more than 40 opportunities to listen to the best of Serbian sounds.

The national holiday of Serbia is February 15 and Serbia will offer a full day program with traditional music and dances, parades and presentations.

Tip: Don’t miss the unique crossover performance of virtuoso violinist Stefan Milenković playing with one of ex-Yugoslavia’s favorite rock artists, Nele Karajlić

8. Get closer to David Guetta

If you’ve always dreamed of stepping into the DJ box of a major European music festival, now is your chance. In the VR exhibit at the Serbia Pavilion, you can immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of EXIT, Southeast Europe’s premier music festival, and visit top DJ David Guetta as he makes its magic work, directly on stage. Founded in 2000, EXIT has twice won the award for Best Major Festival at the European Festivals Awards, for 2013 and 2017. EXIT has also won the award for “Best European Festival” at the UK Festival Awards in 2007. Unmissable.

Tip: Look for Exit Festival and the Serbia national platform creates world-class DJ Satori presentation at the Late Nights Expo in January 2022.

9. Explore digital agriculture

Serbia has a highly developed food production industry covering 5 million hectares of agricultural land under excellent climatic conditions. Serbia is in many ways self-sufficient and it produces and exports raw materials, ingredients and finished food products to the region and the world.

The quality and constant improvement of the industry is contributed by 16 specialized research institutes, on the basis of the expertise of which this sector constantly strives to obtain a production at the cutting edge of technology, guaranteeing products of high quality and environmentally friendly production.

Serbia is also the proud host of the European Center of Excellence for ICT Solutions in Agriculture. BioSense Institute shows the vision where sensors of the future (Plant-O-meter multispectral sensor) mounted on robots and satellites will detect the condition of the plant and help it grow better.

Tip: check out our “digital garden” developed by the BioSense Institute in Novi Sad.

10. The virtual pavilion

And finally, even if you can’t make it to Dubai, you can still experience the Serbian pavilion. The Pavilion is accessible both via the website and the VR headset. The pavilion features an integrated dual platform for displaying the stories of Serbia – a physical pavilion in Dubai and an online virtual / digital pavilion integrating timeless and unlimited content with real space.

Visitors from all over the world can use their VR headsets from their homes, create digital avatars and roam our pavilion in virtual reality.