History's Greatest Minds, Now Taking Your Questions: Ailias Brings the Past to Life

Imagine debating physics with Albert Einstein or asking Cleopatra for life advice. Ailias, a UK-based firm, is turning that fantasy into a tangible, if peculiar, reality. The company creates interactive holographic avatars of historical figures, delivered in a sleek white box ready for conversation.

While hologram technology for events isn't new, Ailias distinguishes itself with a focus on education and character. Their library of over 70 personalities—from Julius Caesar to Beethoven—is designed for dialogue, not just display. These avatars can answer complex questions, juggle, or even breakdance on loop.

During a demonstration, a seven-foot-tall AI Einstein discussed science and music with a soft German accent, responding in under two seconds. The experience felt more like a clever chat with an animated encyclopedia than a séance, which was oddly comforting. The company navigates a legal tightrope by primarily using long-deceased figures, avoiding the publicity rights that protect living celebrities.

Adrian Broadway, a director at Ailias, explained that a week's rental runs into the thousands of pounds, including setup and software. The technology relies on open-source AI and generative video. For a higher price, clients can commission custom avatars, opening doors for brand ambassadors or, as Broadway conceded with a cautious laugh, more personal and ethically complex projects.

The appeal is clear. Much like the digital performers in ABBA Voyage, people are willing to engage with compelling illusions. A museum might use a Henry VIII hologram to teach history; a brand could deploy a virtual athlete. For now, Ailias offers a strange, engaging glimpse into a future where the past is perpetually on call, ready to chat, dance, or deflect a question about who would win in a fight between great scientists.