Russia Develops Technology for Communication with the Deceased

The Era of ‘Digital Immortality’

On August 31, 2025, researchers at the Russian Academy of Sciences and Moscow State University’s Institute of Artificial Intelligence, led by Professor Konstantin Vorontsov, announced a project they say could mark the dawn of “digital immortality.” The system is designed to reconstruct the personalities of deceased individuals based on their digital traces: messages, voice recordings, photographs, letters, and social media.

This AI model does more than store data—it simulates thought patterns, speech mannerisms, and emotions, creating the illusion of ongoing communication with the deceased.

Unlike conventional chatbots or voice assistants, the technology goes further, attempting to reconstruct personality with high psychological fidelity. Though still in development, the project has already sparked widespread public debate.

From Voice to Personality: The Evolution of Digital Doubles

Over the past five years, Russia has moved from voice-cloning experiments to research into modeling consciousness itself. In 2021, Digital Doubles introduced autonomous replicas based on online activity. In 2024, the Ambistella service offered subscriptions to receive phone responses from deceased relatives—complete with their voice and intonation. In January 2025, the “Neurocemetery” project in Rostov-on-Don presented the first visual and voice-based reconstructions of the dead.

We see nothing objectionable in this — robots cannot replace humans, but they can help preserve memory. A few years ago, we had a similar request but were not ready. Now our technology allows us to replicate not only appearance but also voice and, to some extent, context

Alexey Yuzhakov

co-founder and chairman of Promobot

The current project is the logical culmination of this trajectory. New AI models capture not only phrases but also context, emotions, psychological states, and life attitudes. This is less about technology alone and more about the attempt to preserve personality itself.

Psychology, Culture, and Economy

The potential applications are vast. In psychotherapy, digital avatars could help grieving individuals cope with loss, especially when farewells were impossible. In education, interactive lessons could be conducted with historical figures. In culture, digital museums could allow visitors to “converse” with writers, scientists, and historical heroes.

The idea of digital doubles excites us because humanity has always dreamed of immortality. This is not a new concept—it has been widely described in science fiction literature and film

Nikolay Kabanov

presale engineer at UiPath

Economically, the technology could open new markets. Russia’s strength in mathematics and programming positions it well to compete in the emerging global market for personalized digital doubles. If supported by clear legal and social norms, the export of such solutions could become a new vector for IT growth.

Ethics, Law, and the Future of Humanity

With every advance come new risks. What happens if an AI replica is created without the deceased’s consent? Who owns a digital self—the relatives, the state, or the platform? Could such avatars be exploited for manipulation, fraud, or even political purposes?

This can be a very heavy experience and should only be approached with professional support. In chasing ideas, people could harm their mental health. When entering such communication, it is vital to know your goals and when to stop. We must let go of those who are no longer with us. If unresolved feelings stand in the way, then I see value in this tool—but only as part of therapy, and only temporarily

Olga Bakshutova

head of medical consultations at BestDoctor and neuropsychologist

Experts are calling for immediate regulation: mandatory lifetime consent, oversight of data use, and bans on commercialization without permission. They also recommend establishing ethics committees with psychologists, lawyers, philosophers, and public representatives.

Russia at the Crossroads of Technology and Morality

The technology of “digital immortality” is no longer science fiction. It exists today, and Russia—thanks to its independent research base and AI breakthroughs—could become a leader in this sensitive but promising field. Its success will depend not just on technical accuracy but also on society’s readiness to engage in dialogue with the past through digital reconstructions.

Pilot projects may soon appear in museums, clinics, and even social support systems. But the essential question is not whether we can digitally resurrect the dead—it is whether we should.