Star Trek Actor Creates First AI Version That Can Interact With People Even After He's Gone

One of Star Trek's major icons, William Shatner is creating an artificial intelligence-powered version of himself. The purpose of this feat is to preserve his memory and legacy for many generations to come and witness.

The Daily Mail reported that the iconic Star Trek actor will be the very first person to have their life story told, captured, and stored by StoryFile's interactive and conversational artificial intelligence-powered video technology.

The system will let the fans directly interact with Shatner's recording. They can ask questions about the actor's work and experiences even after Shatner has passed away. The announcement was made to coincide with the actor's 90th birthday, with his StoryFile conversation, available for viewing on devices, starting in May.

Credit: Paramount

The process for a StoryFile would involve the person answering questions about their life using the special 3D video technology. The footage will be processed and used to train the AI system to provide natural answers to natural language questions.

The finished product will be uploaded to the StoryFile platform. Once there, people can have a ‘real-life' conversation with the person. StoryFile works with all connected devices, 3D, augmented reality, and other virtual reality systems.

Shatner said that he has a story to tell. He said,

"I have a story to tell. Imagine if you could record yourself in a way that future generations, hundreds of years from now, could talk to you — and you could talk back. That's possible. With StoryFile, we can now be present in the future. Your authentic self, for all time. This is for all my children and all my children's children and all my children's loved ones and all the loved ones of the loved ones. That's my gift to you down through time."

Shatner became famous for playing the role of Captain James T. Kirk in the Star Trek franchise. He has become a beloved icon and respected in the industry.

Related: Star Trek Confirms Spock Autobiography Set for September Release