New Razer-NUS AI lab to build companions beyond Tamagotchi, gaming intelligence
Developments from the lab are expected to help Razer build AVA, its 3D holographic digital companion.
The National University of Singapore (NUS) and gaming company Razer have formed a joint research lab to advance artificial intelligence (AI) technology aimed at enhancing in-game and real-life interactions. The lab, unveiled on August 5, plans to develop AI models that can facilitate conversations and perform tasks in virtual and real environments.
One of the immediate applications of this collaboration is Razer's 3D holographic digital companion, AVA, which was showcased earlier in January at the Consumer Electronics Show 2026 in Las Vegas. AVA is equipped with a 5.5-inch animated hologram display that scans its surroundings using built-in cameras and microphones, and can also be connected to a computer to assist with various tasks or serve as a gaming companion.
Razer's chief strategy officer, Li-Meng Lee, emphasized that this technology moves beyond simple digital avatars like Tamagotchi, aiming for a more advanced level of interaction. Currently in prototype stage, AVA uses xAI's Grok to power its conversational abilities and is projected to evolve into a more sophisticated personal assistant that understands users' daily routines and provides timely reminders or advice.
The lab will also work on Project Motoko, a wearable AI headset with camera-equipped lenses that can scan the user's environment and provide advice based on their chosen AI model, such as OpenAI's ChatGPT or Google's Gemini. During a demonstration, Motoko was able to suggest recipes based on available ingredients, provide calorie counts, and even translate menus in real-time.
Razer aims to enter a competitive AI wearable market, acknowledging the potential of the wearables sector despite existing competition from tech giants like Meta and Google. The Razer-NUS Joint AI Research Lab, located at NUS, will house around 20 PhD and postdoctoral AI researchers who will collaborate closely with Razer's engineering team to validate real-world applications and ensure seamless product integration.
The joint funding for the lab's operational costs and intellectual properties remains undisclosed, but both entities are committed to fostering next-generation intelligent systems for interactive gaming experiences.
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