The new tech bringing loved ones back to life through AI
When technology entrepreneur Artur Sychov's father was diagnosed with cancer, he was forced to accept a day may soon come when he wouldn't be able to speak to him again.
The 38-year-old knew he would give anything to have another father-son conversation after his dad's death.
So, using artificial intelligence, he got to work on a way that could make it happen for others in his position.
Artur has created a virtual reality tool called "live forever mode". It features digital avatars who can simulate a person's voice, mannerisms and movements after just 30 minutes of the user being observed.
It has been obvious for a while that this is one of the likely directions of AI development. Yet instead of being impressed by the technology, anyone paying attention may well see it as a hint of future stagnation. A step beyond living in the past.
Imagine a situation where a 'Tony Blair' avatar gives political advice forever and doesn't need to win one of those old fashioned notions called an 'election'...
But surely an 'election' is already an old fashioned notion. The past rushes towards us at an ever increasing rate.
5 comments:
As I get old I find myself thinking about my parents quite often. I don't see, however, that some sort of fake would enhance the experience.
If anything I wonder whether people who have lost a child might take comfort from such things. Doubtless someone will soon offer for sale a gizmo that "shows" what your dead six-year old would have been like at eight, ten, twelve, ...
I'm not much attracted to the idea of avatars of dead people living on. They will either have attitudes frozen in time (good and bad) or perhaps be 'updated' by AI feeds which could veer off in unlikely directions.
But then I'm going to suggest an alternative form of avatar - therapy avatars that would help you with PTSD, grief, or addictions. It would have to be done with great skill to provide support without encouraging dependence on the avatar.
dearieme - I don't think we would, but some people who have lost a child might be attracted to the idea of artificially aged photos. Photos with smiles and eye movements added by AI can be done now, so that could become more widespread too.
DJ - therapy avatars seem very likely as they would always be there, always available for a chat even in the middle of the night. A therapy avatar could possibly take any form too, such as an admired celebrity.
@A K Haart
Perhaps the therapy avatar could take the form of a talking cat - rather like the witch's familiar in fairy tales?
It could catch on as a personal assistant/pet/therapy avatar.
DJ - good idea, I'm sure there are people who would be comfortable with that. In time we may be surprised at the range of possibilities, especially if it can be made into a relatively inexpensive service.
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