Dutch professor with terminal cancer creates AI version of himself to give lectures after death
- Jan Rotmans plans to preserve his knowledge through digital twin trained on his books, scientific publications and lectures
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- Jan Rotmans plans to preserve his knowledge through digital twin trained on his books, scientific publications and lectures
By Seyma Erkul Dayanc
ISTANBUL (AA) - Dutch professor Jan Rotmans, who has terminal cancer, is developing an artificial intelligence version of himself to preserve his knowledge and deliver lectures after his death, local media reported Saturday.
The 65-year-old professor of transition studies said his digital twin would be developed using his books, scientific publications and recorded lectures, Dutch public broadcaster NOS reported.
The first online version is expected to become available by the end of 2026, with plans to eventually develop a hologram capable of appearing on stage.
Rotmans said recordings of his voice, image and facial expressions had already been made to help create the digital version.
The project is being developed by studio The Synths, which previously created a digital likeness of former Dutch footballer Ruud Gullit.
Rotmans, who has had metastatic prostate cancer for nearly two years, said his condition remained stable and that recent medical results had been encouraging.
He also expressed hope that he would be able to interact with his AI counterpart and learn from its responses.
However, the professor acknowledged the technology's limitations, including the possibility that it could generate inaccurate information or statements he would not endorse.
He said the system would undergo extensive testing before being made available.
- AI expert warns of risks
Iris van Rooij, an artificial intelligence professor at Radboud University, criticized the project, describing it as an undesirable development.
She warned that people interacting with such digital models could mistakenly attribute human qualities, including emotions and intelligence, to artificial intelligence systems.
Rotmans, however, stressed that the digital twin was not intended to replace him personally but to ensure that his knowledge remained accessible to future generations.
He said he accepted the potential risks associated with the project and expected other researchers to pursue similar initiatives.
Şeyma Erkul Dayanç