Amsterdam:Dutch professor Jan Rotmans, diagnosed with terminal cancer, is creating an artificial intelligence version of himself to continue delivering lectures after his death, as reported by local media.

According to Anadolu Agency – English, the 65-year-old professor of transition studies plans to preserve his knowledge through a digital twin, utilizing his books, scientific publications, and recorded lectures. This AI version is expected to be available online by the end of 2026, with future plans for a hologram capable of appearing on stage.

Rotmans has recorded his voice, image, and facial expressions to aid in creating the digital version. The project is being developed by studio The Synths, known for creating a digital likeness of former Dutch footballer Ruud Gullit. Despite his metastatic prostate cancer diagnosis nearly two years ago, Rotmans's condition remains stable, and he hopes to interact with his AI counterpart to learn from its responses. However, he acknowledges the technology's limitations, such as the potential for generating inaccurate information, and confirms that the system will undergo extensive testing.

AI expert Iris van Rooij from Radboud University criticized the project, warning that people might mistakenly attribute human qualities to AI systems. Despite this, Rotmans emphasizes that the digital twin is not intended to replace him personally but to ensure his knowledge is accessible to future generations, accepting the risks and anticipating similar initiatives from other researchers.