Father in China uses AI to bring dead son back to life, digitally

After their only child passed away, Wu, along with his wife, turned to AI technology to recreate a ‘digital version’ of his son. 

Wu and his wife experienced immense grief when their only child, Xuanmo, passed away unexpectedly from a stroke last year at 22 while studying at Exeter University in Britain. 

Xuanmo, who studied accounting and finance, was not only an avid sports enthusiast but also a posthumous organ donor, leading a diverse and fulfilling life.

He collected photos, videos, and recordings, spending thousands of dollars to clone his son's face and voice. Wu aims to create an avatar that mimics his son's thoughts and speech with great precision.

“I know you’re in great pain every day because of me, and feel guilty and helpless,” intones Xuanmo in a slightly robotic voice.

“Even though I can’t be by your side ever again, my soul is still in this world, accompanying you through life.”

Wu wants to build a fully realistic replica that behaves just like his dead son but dwells in virtual reality.

“Once we synchronize reality and the metaverse, I’ll have my son with me again,” Wu said.

“I can train him… so that when he sees me, he knows I’m his father.”

In China, the industry of creating digital replicas, known as "ghost bots," is growing rapidly. 

Super Brain, an AI firm, charges around 10,000 and 20,000 yuan ($1,400-$2,800) to develop a basic avatar in about 20 days. 

This technology allows people to interact with digital versions of their deceased loved ones, marking a significant development according to industry insiders.

Sima Huapeng, who founded Nanjing-based Silicon Intelligence, said the technology would “bring about a new kind of humanism.”

As soon as Wu’s wife dissolved into tears before his son’s grave, Wu said “One day, son, we will all reunite in the metaverse.”