In a first for education, Vector is exploring the use of “digital human” technology in its energy education programmes in primary schools. In conjunction with New Zealand’s leading AI company Soul Machines, Vector has created Will, a “digital teacher” being trialed in its award-winning ‘Be Sustainable with Energy’ schools programme, which is offered free of charge to schools within Vector’s Auckland electricity network. The school's programme was launched in 2005 and has since educated more than 125,000 children about energy. Will can interact with children from a desktop, tablet, or mobile, and helps them to learn about renewable energy such as geothermal, solar, and wind. Will challenges kids on their renewable energy knowledge by asking questions such as “how tall is a wind turbine?”; “how long does sunlight take to reach the earth?”; and “when we burn biomass, what do you think is let off as the main by-product?”