Sep 07, 2023 17:00:00

A company that claims to “create 3D models with the power of AI” is actually human-powered

Kaedim, a startup AI company whose founder

was listed on Forbes' ``30 Under 30'' list, was reported to be working manually, contrary to its advertising claims of automatic conversion.

Buzzy AI Startup for Generating 3D Models Used Cheap Human Labor
https://www.404media.co/kaedim-ai-startup-2d-to-3d-used-cheap-human-labor/

Kaedim is a company that uses machine learning to convert clients' 2D illustrations into 3D models, and provides services to game developers and others. The company advertised itself as ``automating 2D to 3D conversion'' and ``automating the boring parts of 3D modeling,'' as if all the work was done using AI, but in reality it was ``quality control.'' 404 Media, an independent media outlet, reported that a human artist was involved.

According to sources contacted by 404 Media, Kaedim employs 3D artists from around the world 24/7, who work on a commission basis where they are paid for each model they complete. thing. The compensation was about 1 dollar (about 148 yen) to 4 dollars (about 590 yen) for each model, and it seems that they received a small bonus if they accepted the job early.

Kaedim founder Konstantina Psoma said, ``All employees are on a monthly salary,'' but did not answer questions about whether they were paid for each model they created.

At one point, one of the sources said, the artist was creating the entire 3D design himself, without any help from AI. After 404 Media published the article, Kaedim redesigned its website to make it more clear that humans are involved in the company's 3D image creation.

Mr. Pusoma has issued

a statement following the report by 404 Media. Psoma explained that Kaedim's working process begins with an AI algorithm that receives a 2D image and outputs a 3D model, which human quality control engineers refine as necessary to match quality standards. It is said that it is like this. Psoma explained, ``Our algorithms are not always perfect, so we need to guarantee quality.''

However, one of the sources contacted by 404 Media refuted the above statement, claiming that ``their work is not quality control, but rather production.'' The person said, ``It's true that the quality control process requires an eye to actually judge quality, but some employees are only looking at 2D images submitted by clients and not those generated by AI. 'There were times when I didn't have any,' he said.

After 404 Media reached out to Psoma for comment, Kaedim updated its documentation on how the system works, adding that it 'has an in-house team of artists to improve the output from the models.'

According to Psoma, as of August 2023, when he made his statement, each work was completed at an average speed of 15 minutes, and his goal is to complete each work within one minute within the next 1 to 18 months. It is said that there is. Psoma said the company aims to release a 'fully autonomous' version in 2024, with parallel quality control work essential to the advancement of the algorithm.

Kaedim's 'Starter' plan , which allows you to create up to 10 models per month, starts from $ 150 (approximately 22,000 yen) per month, and the 'Indie' plan, which allows you to create up to 20 models, starts from $ 300 (approximately 44,000 yen) per month. , 'Studio' for up to 60 movies per month starts from $ 1000 (approximately 148,000 yen) per month.