Talk to Your Own Personal Isaac Newton With Ailias’s Hologram Avatars

UK startup Ailias is bringing historical figures back to life through interactive hologram avatars that combine 3D displays with conversational AI. The Surrey-based company has created over 70 characters including Albert Einstein, Henry VIII, and Julius Caesar, packaged in bespoke boxes for events, exhibitions, and educational settings. Unlike traditional hologram displays focused on spectacle, Ailias emphasizes "ultra character creation" for genuine interaction, with avatars that can juggle, do squats, or breakdance while maintaining conversation. The technology avoids living celebrities due to copyright restrictions, instead focusing on historical figures who won't trigger legal challenges.

The avatars use open-source AI and third-party generative video to power conversations, responding in under 2 seconds with appropriate accents and personalities. During demonstrations, a 7-foot-tall Einstein avatar discussed science, music, and even Elon Musk with a soft German accent. While the experience sometimes feels like "a large, animated ChatGPT conversation," the company positions it as educational entertainment rather than deepfake technology. Pricing varies based on rental, purchase, or bespoke character creation, with weekly rentals running into thousands of pounds including software, delivery, and installation. Ailias can also create holograms of living people if commissioned and licensed properly, using just voice recordings and photos to build AI versions.