If you've ever wanted to talk to the famous Hollywood star Marilyn Monroe, you'll at least get the chance soon. San Francisco-based Sol Machines announced “Digital Marilyn,” an interactive video avatar that the company can deliver a personalized, interactive, and real-time experience.
The idea, as Soul Machine explained in a blog post , was driven by more than nostalgia. Advances in AI tech will help celebrate and reimagine visuals in an interactive and engaging way, the company said.
“We're seeing a rapid shift in perception as we begin to move from static search to text-based conversation to conversational AI, to conversational conversation with multimodal capabilities,” Soul Machines said in a document shared with Decrypt.
Soul Machine says the company worked with Monroe's estate to bring the famous actress back to life.
“Our technology will never be used to replace entertainers, and we work directly with the world's leading talent and their territories to make it a true partnership,” Soul Machines CEO Greg Cross said on the company's website.
Image: Soul Machines
In addition to Monroe, Soul Machine also features other AI avatars, including musician Mark Tuan, boxer Francis Ngannou, and golf legend Jack Nicklaus. Soul Machine AI uses what it calls “biological AI,” which can closely mimic human behavior.
“The vision of Soul Machines differs from the current generation of AI, giving priority to cognitive modeling, clearly replicating the interaction of the human brain and body (inspired by neuroscience and cognitive science),” the company explained. “Our approach is to model human cognitive processes and the arc of learning and development that lead to more realistic behaviors.”
Soul Machines is one of a growing number of generative AI models designed to mimic celebrities and engage with fans. In September, adult actor Brandi Love joined Twitch star Amorant, and Caryn Marjorie as AI avatars on the Forever Voices AI platform and Telegram.
While AI companions are a relatively new phenomenon, the use of artificial intelligence to replicate humans is a key issue in both the entertainment and political worlds. In November, the SAG-AFTRA WGA strike ended after months of negotiations between the unions and the AMPTP. A laundry list of demands, including protection from AI, have been reached agreeable terms between the groups.
But as actors and writers continue to see advances with AI, companies like Soul Machine, Respecture, and Metaphysics are offering their services to Hollywood, ultimately giving users the chance to connect with their favorite celebrities, living or dead.
“At Soul Machines, our AI technology is focused on how we can increase engagement and communication between celebrities and fans around the world,” Cross said. “AI technology should support artists, never replace them.”
Edited by Ryan Ozawa.
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