Chinese cemeteries use AI to ‘revive’ loved ones
Generative AI is such a powerful technological revolution due to its versatility. Nowadays, anyone may command ChatGPT and similar tools to impersonate others.
AI image and video generators could recreate people with 3D avatars. Consequently, some have turned to these tools to “revive” their loved ones.
And China takes this phenomenon to the next level by having cemeteries create digital representations of the deceased to help people grieve.
How do Chinese cemeteries use AI?
AI used to digitally resurrect the dead.
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) December 14, 2023
At a cemetery in China, bereaved father Seakoo Wu places his phone on a gravestone and plays an AI recording of his late son. Wu is among a growing number of Chinese using AI to create avatars of the departedhttps://t.co/PtVn7CFNgD pic.twitter.com/A4ca4QHScp
On April 4, SHINE, a digital publication from Shanghai Daily, which is the first local English-language daily newspaper in the Chinese mainland, reported a new AI service from national cemeteries.
READ: AI sparks ‘digital necromancy’ worries
SHINE writer Hu Min said Fu Shou Yuan International Group, China’s largest cemetery and funeral service provider, launched its digital application plans during this year’s Qingming Festival or Tomb-Sweeping Day, which is a festival when people pay tribute to the deceased and worship their ancestors.
It announced the service with a “digital human” named Jason. It said generative AI made digital human creation more affordable than ever.
The Fu Shou Yuan International Group’s program only needs a photo and a one-minute video recording to produce a high-quality model.
“AI technology has reproduced the voice, appearance, traits, and even thinking patterns of the deceased,” explained Fan Jun, vice president of the company.
Fu Shou Yuan International Group said the digital application plan assisted more than 10 families nationwide to experience “digital life” technology” in a traditional funeral service.
The “digital human” works as a “spiritual partner” that conveys love and hope to help the bereaved through grief and loss.
“I think it’s a way to help people get through the grieving period and relieve their ache to some extent, and it offers a warm comfort,” said resident Yang Ying, who would be willing to try such an experience.
