UK Company Brings Historical Figures to Life as Holograms

Imagine chatting with Albert Einstein about physics or asking Isaac Newton who'd win in a fight between them. A UK company called Ailias is making that possible with life-size hologram avatars that talk, move, and even breakdance.

The Surrey-based startup has created over 70 interactive historical figures, from Henry VIII to Julius Caesar. These aren't just static displays but fully conversational AI holograms that respond to questions in under two seconds.

The technology combines existing hologram display systems with AI language models and generative video. What makes Ailias special is their focus on education rather than just spectacle. Director Adrian Broadway sees the biggest potential in schools and museum exhibitions where students can have actual conversations with historical figures.

A reporter who tested their 7-foot-tall Einstein hologram found the experience surprisingly engaging. The AI Einstein spoke with a soft German accent and discussed everything from science to music to modern figures like Elon Musk. When asked the silly question of who would win in a fight with Newton, Einstein deflected diplomatically, suggesting it would be "more of a fight of ideas."

The holograms arrive in custom boxes ready for setup. Rental starts at several thousand pounds per week, including software, delivery, and installation. Schools can purchase them outright for permanent displays.

The Bright Side

While the technology raises questions about AI ethics and digital representation, Ailias keeps things clearly fictional and fun. The holograms juggle and do squats, making it obvious you're talking to an AI recreation rather than attempting unsettling digital resurrection. The company has guidelines for ethical use and focuses mainly on long-dead historical figures to avoid copyright issues.

For custom projects, Ailias can create a hologram of anyone within a month using just voice recordings and photos. Brands are already commissioning avatars for marketing, though the technology could serve more personal purposes too.

The real promise lies in education. Students who might zone out reading textbooks could find themselves genuinely curious when Einstein answers their questions directly. History becomes conversation instead of memorization.

Teachers and museums now have a tool that makes learning feel like time travel with training wheels.