
Illustrators don’t need to worry about robots stealing their jobs — yet.
The artificial intelligence apocalypse looks like it’s a long way off, if this adorable illustration is any indication!
The tweet below was sent by a Japanese illustrator who goes by the Twitter handle @enpitsu, showing off the illustration abilities of artificial intelligence. In case you’re having a hard time figuring out just what you’re looking it, that’s what the AI produced when told to draw Asuka from Evangelion.
▼ “I recently made some AI that draws a picture when you give it a character name for a bit of fun, and this is the result it produced for Asuka.”
最近趣味でキャラクター名を与えたら絵を描いてくれる人工知能を作ってるんですが、アスカを描いてもらった結果がこれです pic.twitter.com/Wag6KPZCgB
— enpitsu (@enpitsu) March 5, 2016
Now, to be fair, that’s actually pretty good for someone just throwing around some code as a hobby! Even Google is still working on their image recognition software, so this is nothing to scoff at. On the other hand, we suspect it should make illustrators the world over feel a bit better about their job security.
The Japanese technology website NetLab also provided a bit more detail about how the AI works. @enpitsu apparently used Deep Learning and OpenCV (artificial intelligence and computer vision libraries) to find images of Asuka and then passed that information to Processing, a “flexible software sketchbook.” Basically, after being given a name, the software looks online for reference images and then attempts to draw the character.
However, most of the results are apparently still not very good — according to @enpitsu, the image of Asuka was the best produced so far.
Of course, @enpitsu’s own illustrations are considerably better — and here are a few for your enjoyment!
LORD of VERMILION IIIで描いたアレイスターのサンプルカードを頂きました pic.twitter.com/oVtuLX4fbm
— enpitsu (@enpitsu) April 26, 2014
背景をD3.js使って描くという試み(30秒ごとにくるくる変わります) https://t.co/XLBG1tfN3b pic.twitter.com/7rPjcPLMFx
— enpitsu (@enpitsu) November 14, 2015
Happy Halloween! pic.twitter.com/msW54tF0fl
— enpitsu (@enpitsu) October 31, 2013
We certainly look forward to seeing what else @enpitsu and the AI produce — hopefully the illustrator doesn’t create the technology that puts himself in the unemployment line!
And if you’re interested in the more human side of “robots,” you’ll be happy to know WORLD ORDER has a new video! Follow their lead, and you’ll be able to blend in when the robots decide to do more than just draw us…
Sources: Twitter/@enpitsu, NetLab
Featured image: Twitter/@enpitsu

AI website’s automatic anime character designs are cute, quick, and free for anyone to create
Random generation of anime characters by sophisticated AI programs is now so good, it’s unreal
Artificial intelligence crafts gorgeous anime sequences four times smoother than originals【Video】
Artistic Japanese website AI has a long way to go before it can appropriately rate user’s Pikachu pics
Free official Evangelion coloring book-style art released, fans share new looks for Asuka
Face lettuce appears in Japan, with the face of Death Note’s Light Yagami, but why?
Studio Ghibli adds new Ponyo glassware to its anime lineup for summer
Family Mart’s new Famima flagship in Tokyo has a hidden gem that most visitors miss
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japanese Coo-Che becomes a viral sensation, and everyone wants a taste
Pokémon’s cozy city builder game inspires Cozy (Corner) cakes in Japan! [Photos]
Giant Evangelion Spear of Longinus to be installed at Japanese train station with Eva art trains
Japanese Shinkansen becomes an overnight hotel for three nights this summer
Starbucks Japan releases a miniature display rack so you can create your very own store at home
Universal Studios Japan requiring consent form for adults-only horror attraction
New Shinkansen luggage drop-off system begins in Japan, making train travel even easier
99-year-old woman rescued while attempting to climb Mt. Fuji
Japanese convenience store releases Japanese convenience store-flavor fried chicken
Which country’s foreign tourists spend the most money per-person in Japan? Hint: Not the U..S. or China
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Family Mart opens new “Famima” flagship store in Tokyo that’s like a tourist attraction
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Video shows off hundreds of beautiful AI-created anime girls in less than a minute【Video】