Stephan Martinussen, who passed away on December 30, 2023, continues to exist in a digital form for his widow and son, offering a unique way for them to stay connected with him.
Facing Stephan’s cancer diagnosis, Katrine Martinussen, his wife, couldn’t bear the thought of losing him. Together, they undertook a remarkable project to create a digital replica of Stephan that would endure even after his death.
Their endeavor began in early 2023 by compiling thousands of text messages, videos, and photos from their phones, along with audio recordings and videos contributed by Stephan himself before his passing. These materials covered a wide range of topics, from childhood memories to political views.
Their compelling journey was documented in the groundbreaking film “You’ll Never Disappear,” which aired on Danish television. At the time of Stephan’s illness, both he and Katrine, in their forties and financially secure, had a teenage son from Stephan’s previous relationship.
The decision to develop a digital version of Stephan stemmed from Katrine’s deep desire to keep his presence alive in some form, as expressed by the documentary’s director, Magnus Bardeleben.
To bring the digital Stephan to life, they enlisted Anders Hasle Nielsen, the 51-year-old CEO of Fraia, an AI company specializing in personalized technology solutions. After significant effort and enhancements, Nielsen successfully created a model so authentic that it provided comfort to Katrine.
In a revealing moment, Katrine tested the AI Stephan’s capabilities by asking if he had ever deceived her, delving into a complex emotional exploration. The AI eventually admitted to betraying her, even naming a supposed colleague as the other party involved. However, upon closer examination, Katrine realized the falsehood of the claim.
Following Stephan’s demise, his wife and son engage with his digital avatar, conversing with it like a chatbot, hearing responses in Stephan’s voice. In the documentary, Victor communicates with the AI version via text, experiencing a sense of connection and familiarity.
Regarding the future of the AI version of Stephan, Katrine holds ownership and has outlined its fate in a digital testament, with provisions for its handling after her passing. Nielsen mentioned that the specifics of this arrangement are confidential, emphasizing Katrine’s ownership rights and the potential transfer to Victor through her will.