The concept of immortality and preserving life beyond death has long been a subject of fascination and speculation. Recent advancements in robotics and artificial intelligence are bringing us closer to the possibility of achieving digital immortality. Companies are now developing AI replicas of aging individuals, using deepfake and chatbot technologies to create convincing digital copies that can capture their essence.
HereAfter and Deepbrain AI are two companies at the forefront of this emerging field. They use personal data and memories provided by the individual to create realistic replicas before they pass away. These replicas can then be interacted with by family and friends, allowing for a form of virtual immortality.
Meanwhile, Hanson Robotics is exploring the combination of highly realistic robotics with advanced AI language models. Their humanoid robots, such as Sophia, can maintain eye contact, recognize faces, and engage in natural conversations. These lifelike robots are designed to build genuine relationships and push the boundaries of the uncanny valley.
Another approach is taken by ReMemory, which aims to enable full-length conversations with deceased loved ones through a virtual copy of their memories. By conducting extensive interviews with clients before their passing, ReMemory collects data that is used to create a virtual clone. This clone can then send personalized messages and interact with loved ones on special occasions.
Russian transhumanist Alexey Turchin and his company, Digital Immortality Now, have developed a framework for collecting and documenting data about individuals. Turchin believes that in the future, superintelligent AI will be able to use this data to accurately reconstruct a person’s personality, paving the way for their digital resurrection.
While these advancements are intriguing, it’s important to note that true digital immortality is still far from being realized. The current models rely on existing AI technologies and data collection processes, but the creation of a superintelligent AI that can truly resurrect individuals remains a theoretical possibility.
FAQ
What is digital immortality?
Digital immortality refers to the concept of preserving a person’s essence or consciousness digitally, allowing for interactions and communication even after their physical death.
How do companies create digital replicas of individuals?
Companies use various technologies, such as deepfakes, chatbots, and AI language models, to create digital replicas of individuals. These replicas are based on personal data, memories, and other information provided by the individual or collected through interviews.
Can these digital replicas interact with living individuals?
Yes, digital replicas can be designed to interact with living individuals. They can engage in conversations, send personalized messages, and even mimic the appearance and behavior of the person they are based on.
Is digital immortality a reality?
While advancements in AI and robotics are bringing us closer to the possibility of digital immortality, true resurrection or the recreation of a person’s consciousness is still a theoretical concept. The technologies currently available are limited to creating replicas based on existing data and models.