If you’ve ever wanted to chat with iconic Hollywood star Marilyn Monroe, you’ll soon get the chance – at least virtually. San Francisco-based Soul Machines has announced “Digital Marilyn,” an interactive video avatar that can deliver personalized, interactive, real-time experiences.
The idea, explained by Soul Machine in a blog post, was fueled by more than nostalgia. Advances in AI technology can help honor and reimagine iconic figures in interactive and engaging ways, the company said.
“We are witnessing a rapid paradigm shift as we begin to move towards conversational chat with multimodal capabilities, from static search to text-based chat to conversational AI,” Soul Machines said in a shared document. decryption.
Soul Machine said the company worked with Monroe’s estate to bring the famous actress back to life.
Soul Machines CEO Greg Cross said: “Our technology is never used to replace entertainers, we partner directly with the world’s best talent and their assets to ensure it is a true partnership that endorses and benefits the artists we work with. .” he wrote. Company website.
In addition to Monroe, Soul Machine features other AI avatars including musician Mark Tuan, boxer Francis Ngannou, and golf legend Jack Nicklaus. Soul Machine AI uses “biological AI,” which it claims can actually mimic human-like behavior.
“Soul Machines’ vision differs from current generative AI by prioritizing cognitive modeling and explicitly replicating human brain-body interactions (inspired by neuroscience and cognitive science),” the company said. “Our approach is to model human cognitive processes and learning and development processes that lead to more realistic behavior.”
Soul Machines is one of a growing number of generative AI models designed to imitate celebrities and connect with their fans. In September, adult performer Brandi Love joined Twitch stars Amouranth and Caryn Marjorie as AI avatars for the Forever Voices AI platform and Telegram.
AI companions may be a novelty, but artificial intelligence being used to clone humans is a hot topic in both entertainment and politics. In November, the SAG-AFTRA WGA strike ended after months of negotiations between the union and AMPTP. Adequate conditions were reached between the groups on a laundry list of demands, including protection against AI.
But as performers and writers continue to see advancements made with AI, companies like Soul Machine, Respeecher, and Metaphysic are offering their services to Hollywood and eventually giving users the chance to interact with celebrities, living and dead.
“Soul Machines’ AI technology focuses on how we can deepen engagement and connection between celebrities and their fans around the world,” said Cross. “AI technology should support artists, never replace them.”
Edited by Ryan Ozawa.