The BBC World Service broadcasts “Me and My Digital Twin,” a research documentary presented by Ghislaine Boddington, exploring the emerging world of digital human twin technology. The programme, which aired on Saturday, 30 November, 2024, offers an in-depth examination of how digital twin innovation is reshaping the way humans express themselves, connect with others, manage health, and preserve their legacy.
Ghislaine, a leading expert in digital identity and interaction, guides listeners through a wide range of use cases, featuring contributions from international thought leaders including Dinis Guarda, along with insights into cutting-edge platforms like Wisdomia.ai and the Leonardo da Vinci AI agent.
Among the many innovations explored in the documentary is the Leonardo da Vinci AI agent, created by Dinis Guarda and the team behind Wisdomia.ai, a proprietary platform developed by Ztudium.
Dinis Guarda, an author, researcher and founder of Ztudium, explains the aim of digital twins:
“Digital twins are not just about creating replicas; they are about empowering individuals to better understand themselves and their environments, making informed decisions, and extending their potential in ways previously unimaginable.”
Wisdomia.ai, launched in 2024 by Dinis, blends artificial intelligence with edutainment and provides users with a learning experience rooted in philosophy, history and science. The platform features AI-powered avatars modelled after iconic historical figures such as Socrates, Cleopatra and Leonardo da Vinci. These avatars, built with Wisdomia’s AI.DNA technology and large language models (LLMs), replicate the figures' knowledge and thought patterns.
The Leonardo da Vinci AI Agent allows users to explore Renaissance ideas and interdisciplinary thinking. Through conversation, ethical problem-solving, storytelling, and gamified interactions, the platform encourages critical thinking and collaboration. It incorporates immersive technologies like virtual and mixed reality, enabling users to step into historical or imagined future environments.
Wisdomia.ai adopts a freemium model, providing basic features for free while offering premium access for exclusive content. It also partners with educational institutions to broaden its reach.
The concept of digital twins originates from the 1970 Apollo 13 mission. When an oxygen tank explosion endangered the crew, NASA engineers replicated the spacecraft’s conditions using simulators on Earth. This real-time modelling allowed them to develop life-saving solutions and is considered the birth of digital twin technology.
As Ghislaine Boddington explains, “What began as a tool for simulating spacecraft systems has now grown into a sophisticated interface between the physical and digital worlds, enabling us to replicate everything from cars and buildings to the complexities of the human body.”
The documentary begins with a compelling thought experiment posed by Boddington:
“Imagine that when you are born, a digital version of you is also created — a virtual you that is tethered to you, owned by you, and grows up, learns, and works with you. How might this reshape our understanding of ourselves and our potential?”
Wisdomia.ai is a pioneering 3D AI edutainment platform that seamlessly integrates education and entertainment, enabling users to interact with AI representations of historical figures such as Leonardo da Vinci, Socrates, and Cleopatra. Founded in 2024 by entrepreneur and author Dinis Guarda, Wisdomia offers immersive experiences that foster a deeper understanding of history, philosophy, and future visions.
The platform provides a variety of interactive features, including AI-driven storytelling sessions, educational games, and augmented and virtual reality simulations. Users can personalise their learning journeys, engage in philosophical debates, and solve ethical dilemmas, all while earning rewards through gamified elements. These activities are designed to cultivate critical thinking and broaden perspectives on past, present, and future societal structures.
A notable innovation from Wisdomia is the development of AI avatars modelled after iconic personalities. For instance, the Leonardo da Vinci AI agent was showcased during the Chicago AI Week in June 2024, demonstrating the platform's capability to bring historical figures to life through advanced AI technologies.
Beyond individual learning, Wisdomia fosters a collaborative environment where users can participate in group discussions, tackle real-world challenges, and envision utopian societies through AI-driven simulations. This approach empowers individuals to apply acquired wisdom towards creating a better world, blending education, entertainment, and AI technology to shape the future of humanity.
Pallavi Singal is the Vice President of Content at ztudium, where she leads innovative content strategies and oversees the development of high-impact editorial initiatives. With a strong background in digital media and a passion for storytelling, Pallavi plays a pivotal role in scaling the content operations for ztudium's platforms, including Businessabc, Citiesabc, and IntelligentHQ, Wisdomia.ai, MStores, and many others. Her expertise spans content creation, SEO, and digital marketing, driving engagement and growth across multiple channels. Pallavi's work is characterised by a keen insight into emerging trends in business, technologies like AI, blockchain, metaverse and others, and society, making her a trusted voice in the industry.