Digital clones, or AI models designed to mimic specific individuals, utilize advanced technologies such as hyperrealistic video models, lifelike voice simulations derived from minimal speech recordings, and increasingly sophisticated conversational chatbots. Unlike general AI systems like ChatGPT, these clones are tailored to simulate an individual’s thought processes.
The potential for digital clones as stand-ins in professional settings raises questions about their practicality and effectiveness. A personal experiment was conducted by an individual who sought to create a clone of themselves to assess its capabilities in a work context.
In a different context, researchers are employing lidar (light detection and ranging) technology to examine the aftermath of climate-related disasters, such as the wildfires that devastated Los Angeles County this January. These fires, specifically the Eaton and Palisades fires, lasted 24 days, resulting in the loss of 29 lives and the destruction of 16,000 structures, with damages estimated at $60 billion. Over 55,000 acres were burned, significantly altering the landscape.
By using lidar technology, researchers aim to quantify the changes in the geography of areas affected by such disasters. This method provides valuable insights into the environmental impact and enables researchers to track the broader consequences of climate events.
For further details on digital clones and their implications, readers can access the full story. The investigations into lidar technology and climate disasters provide important context for understanding the evolving landscape of technological applications in varying fields.
Source: https://www.technologyreview.com/2025/09/01/1122863/the-download-ai-doppelgangers-in-the-workplace-and-using-lidar-to-measure-climate-disasters/