Revolutionizing Interactions with Digital Marilyn Monroe
If you have ever harbored the desire to engage in a conversation with the legendary Hollywood icon Marilyn Monroe, your wish is about to be fulfilled albeit in a virtual sphere. Soul Machines, a San Francisco-based company, recently unveiled “Digital Marilyn,” an interactive video avatar meant to deliver a personalized, real-time, and interactive encounter.
According to a blog post by Soul Machines, the concept behind “Digital Marilyn” transcends mere nostalgia. The company believes that advancements in AI technology can be leveraged to pay homage to and reimagine iconic personalities in an interactive and captivating manner. Soul Machines underscored this shift by stating, “From static search to text-based chat to conversational AI, we are witnessing a rapid paradigm shift as we begin to head into conversational chat with multimodal capabilities.”
Collaborating closely with Monroe’s estate, Soul Machines ensured authenticity in resurrecting the beloved actress. Greg Cross, CEO of Soul Machines, emphasized that their technology is designed in collaboration with leading talents and their estates to create a partnership that is both artist-approved and mutually beneficial.
Biological AI: An Innovation in Authentically Human-like Behavior
In addition to the representation of Marilyn Monroe, Soul Machines offers AI avatars for other prominent figures such as musician Mark Tuan, boxer Francis Ngannou, and golf legend Jack Nicklaus. The company employs a unique approach known as “Biological AI,” which aims to accurately emulate human-like behavior.
“Our vision at Soul Machines diverges from current generative AI models by prioritizing cognitive modeling that explicitly replicates human brain and body interactions, inspired by neuroscience and cognitive science,” the company stated. “We focus on modeling the human cognitive processes, learning, and development arc that ultimately result in more lifelike behaviors.”
This distinctive approach sets Soul Machines apart in the realm of generative AI models, particularly in the context of replicating celebrities and fostering interactions with their fan base. The utilization of AI to create virtual companions has emerged as a novel concept, although it raises pertinent discussions in both entertainment and political spheres.
Implications of AI Replication in the Entertainment Industry
In recent months, the entertainment industry has witnessed pivotal discussions surrounding the use of artificial intelligence to replicate human personalities. The conclusion of the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes following negotiations with the AMPTP marked a significant moment in securing protections for artists against the intrusion of AI.
Amidst these ongoing developments, companies like Soul Machines, Respeecher, and Metaphysic have stepped forward to offer AI services to Hollywood, enabling users to engage with their favorite celebrities, whether living or deceased. Greg Cross reiterated Soul Machines’ commitment to utilizing AI technology to deepen engagement and connectivity between celebrities and their global fan base, emphasizing that AI should complement and enhance artists rather than supplant them.
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