Zhang Lu Leads Soul App Into the Future of AI-Driven Social Interactions

Artificial intelligence is no longer just a tool; it’s becoming a constant companion. In 2025, AI will continue to reshape how we connect, and Soul App founder Zhang Lu is leading the charge, showing how tech can truly transform social relationships.

The International Conference on Computer Graphics and Virtuality (ICCGV) is at the heart of this innovation. Since its debut in Tokyo in 2018, ICCGV has become a global hotspot for exploring the cutting edge of technology, from immersive graphics to human-computer interaction. Think of it as a playground for tech visionaries and researchers, packed with keynotes, presentations, and workshops that push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Fast-forward to 2025: ICCGV will occur in Chengdu, China, from February 21 to 23. The coming year’s event promises deep dives into image processing, computational photography, and more. It’s also the perfect hub for networking, partnerships, and discovering the hottest trends—especially those tailored for users who crave emotional connections and meaningful tech experiences.

Soul App, spearheaded by Zhang Lu, is making waves at ICCGV 2025 with its groundbreaking paper, “LLM Gesticulator: Leveraging Large Language Models for Scalable and Controllable Co-Speech Gesture Synthesis.” In simpler terms, they’re redefining how virtual humans communicate by syncing natural gestures with speech. Using large language models (LLMs), this tech creates full-body gestures aligned with tone, meaning, and rhythm. Meanwhile, users can even control these gestures with simple text prompts. 

It’s no surprise that Zhang Lu, through Soul App, is spearheading this movement. A recent survey showed that 60% of Gen Z users are open to AI friendships, thanks to AI’s lifelike responses. Soul App is nailing this demand with seamless, human-like interactions that feel anything but robotic.

Soul App’s tech doesn’t stop at gestures. Its NAWA Engine combines AI, rendering, and image processing to create personalized 3D avatars and immersive social scenes—all in real time. Add the SoulX Model, a self-developed LLM enabling intelligent chatbot to develop emotionally rich conversations.

Zhang Lu has also advanced Soul App with carefree expression in mind. Users can engage without using real avatars, offering a comfortable space for expression. Whether through digital twin or immersive gaming, Soul App meets users where they are: at the intersection of identity and innovation.

With Digital Twin, users can now authorize Soul to analyze their chat records and posts. Also, they are encouraged to upload their images, videos, and voice recordings for additional inputs, which help the platform better understand users’ personality traits. The digital twin serves as an intelligent communication assistant offering icebreakers, chat topics and suitable response options. It also ensures that the recommended reply is appropriate for the conversation context and that the reply itself is fit for the user’s persona and based on the diction, tone and style they use in daily life.

Gaming giants like Ubisoft are setting the tone with neo-NPCs—autonomous characters capable of real-time, context-aware responses. Soul App is poised to adapt this tech for deeper, more interactive storytelling. For example, the 2025 launch of Werewolf Awakening will pit players against AI with advanced reasoning and communication skills, blending human ingenuity with AI precision.

Zhang Lu has always wanted Soul to be more than just a hub for connection; it’s about creating gamified socializing. Imagine a multiplayer scenario where AI players evolve and adapt based on your decisions, creating a dynamic and unpredictable narrative. Werewolf Awakening promises to bring this vision to life, making it one of the year’s most anticipated releases.

Soul App’s focus goes beyond advanced features. It aims to create spaces where users can thrive. Zhang Lu’s vision blends empathy and innovation, breaking down the real and virtual barriers. As CTO Tao Ming puts it: “Users’ willingness to continuously engage with AI shows their recognition of Soul’s tech innovations. It’s proof that our vision of ‘Synergic Model-application Interplay’ is sustainable.”

The tech industry has long been chasing the dream of authentic virtual interactions, and Zhang Lu is proving it’s more than possible through Soul. From digital twin to AI-driven storytelling, the company is not just meeting expectations but setting new standards. Focusing on emotional value and user-centric design, Soul has turned technology into something profoundly personal and impactful.