AVATAR

What Is AVATAR?

AVATAR — Automated Virtual Agent for Truth Assessment in Real-time — is an experimental multi-sensor credibility assessment platform designed for automated screening at border crossings and airports. Unlike the traditional polygraph, which requires a trained examiner and a controlled environment, AVATAR operates as an automated screening tool capable of processing large numbers of individuals without examiner involvement.

How AVATAR Works

The AVATAR system combines multiple sensor technologies to assess credibility. An automated virtual agent conducts a brief structured interview on screen, while the system simultaneously collects and analyses data from various physiological and behavioural sensors — potentially including eye tracking, vocal analysis, and other indicators. Machine learning algorithms process the collected data to flag individuals for further screening.

Accuracy and Limitations

Field testing has suggested that AVATAR performs at levels above chance for detecting deception. However, its accuracy does not approach that of a properly administered Comparison Question Test conducted by a qualified examiner. AVATAR is intended as a preliminary screening tool — a first-pass filter to identify individuals who may warrant more thorough assessment — rather than a replacement for full polygraph examinations.

Significance

AVATAR represents a growing trend toward automated credibility assessment technologies that can operate at scale. While traditional polygraph examinations remain the gold standard for thorough deception detection, automated systems may have applications in high-volume security environments. The development of AVATAR reflects broader interest in applying artificial intelligence and multi-modal sensor fusion to the challenges of credibility assessment.

References

See: Elkins, Golob, Nunamaker, Burgoon & Derrick (2014).