A technological revolution that lies at the intersection of ethics and innovation startups are currently employing artificial intelligence to recreate the dead–from emotional-responsive “grief bots” to ultra-realistic 3D models of dead people. As AI capabilities increase as do the goals of an increasing number of entrepreneurs in the field of technology who are pursuing virtual afterlife solutions.

This rapidly growing field is raising grave questions about consent, memory legacy, and the very concept of “being alive.”

The Rise of Grief Tech

“Grief Tech” or “grief tech” has been coined to refer to AI technology that is designed to reproduce the style and personality of an individual who has passed and gone to heaven. These slang terms for  grieving bots utilize data from text messages and emails, voice messages, and even video to recreate digital conversations.

Users are able to “talk” to a lost loved one through chatbots or a voice interfaces, which are often activated by emotional triggers.

 External Source: MIT Technology Review – AI and the Afterlife External Source: BBC – Virtual Grief and AI

3D Avatars: Digital Immortality in Motion

To further develop the idea companies are developing 3D-generated avatars of people who have passed away. The avatars are powered by AI to communicate, emote, and communicate in real-time with family members who are still living typically displayed through AR/VR headsets, or smart displays.

•   Startups such as HereAfter AI and DeepBrain provide “legacy recording” services

•   Certain platforms let users make videos prior to their death and the AI is later able to use to simulate future interactions.

•   The ability to clone facial and voice models can personalize the experience

From “griefbots” into 3D avatars how companies are making use of AI to recreate the dead isn’t science-fiction, it’s being used right now.

Ethical Questions and Concerns

This trend isn’t without controversy. As more and more people explore these platforms, ethical debates are escalating concerning:

•   Consent: Do the deceased consent to be digitally resurrected?

•   The mental state These tools assist or hinder grieving?

•   Use of data Who is the owner of the digital image and voice after the death of the user?

Experts warn that a lack of regulation can result in emotional trauma or even exploitation, particularly if people become emotional dependent upon these online experiences.

What the Future Holds

The market for grieving-focused AI is expected to increase dramatically. With advances in deeper learning techniques and the development of generative models companies are working towards interactive Holograms and memorial experiences powered by AI which blend memories and reality seamlessly.

But, the extent of adoption will depend on how the society tackles the difficult moral and emotional questions.

Final Thoughts

From “grief bots” from ‘grief bots’ to 3D avatars: How startups are making use of AI to imitate the dead The line between technology and tradition is blurring. If these tools are able to heal or create new risks for our psychological health remains to be determined. However, what is certain is it’s clear that AI is now an integral part of the way we grieve and remember our loved ones, both the living as well as the deceased.

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