SITh.XRaedo (가상 공간에서의 아름다운 작별)

Sudden loss of a loved one often leads to severe trauma and depression, but beyond traditional counseling or religious rituals, there are limited ways to help. There was a need for a way to provide an opportunity for psychological closure using digital technology.

SITh.XRaedo uses AI to analyze voice and video data of the deceased to create a virtual avatar, allowing bereaved families to converse with or spend time with that avatar through VR/AR [98].

For example, families can record farewell messages in an XR environment before death, or bereaved families can experience visiting places of remembrance with the deceased in a virtual space after death. This is completely different from traditional funeral culture and enables emotional connection, which can help overcome loss psychologically [99]. It is unique in its innovative approach to death and farewell.

Funeral service companies and hospice facilities (B2B) can offer it as a package, or individual bereaved families (B2C) can directly apply for the program. Since it is still a concept, the formation of key adopters remains to be seen.

Death is a universal issue, but popularization is uncertain due to cultural and religious sensitivities. It may gain traction in some progressive markets (young urban population) along with the spread of VR equipment. In the long term, it is expected to form a niche market as part of the memorial industry.

It became a hot topic at CES as a "controversial but meaningful attempt." While there are skeptical views on the SF-like concept, interest is high as grief tech after the pandemic. Most discussions focus on socio-cultural impact rather than marketability.