A new wave of artificial intelligence is changing how people work, with digital twins emerging as powerful tools that can enhance productivity and decision-making.
One example is “Digital Richard,” an AI twin created by Richard Skellett, a chief analyst at Bloor Research. This digital version acts as a smart assistant that mirrors his knowledge, thinking patterns, and professional expertise.
Unlike a standard chatbot, Digital Richard uses a customized system built on ChatGPT to process years of meetings, documents, presentations, and conversations. Developers then refined it to replicate Skellett’s decision-making style and problem-solving approach.
The result is a highly personalized AI tool that helps him prepare presentations, analyze business scenarios, and make informed decisions. It also includes separate sections for personal tasks, allowing him to manage both work and life more efficiently.
Colleagues can access the professional side of Digital Richard to ask questions or gain insights, effectively extending his expertise across the organization.
Following its success, Bloor Research has introduced similar digital twins for its entire team, which spans the UK, Europe, the US, and India. The company now offers a “Digital Me” to every new employee as part of its standard setup.
This technology has already demonstrated practical benefits. For example, a retiring analyst used their digital twin to gradually transfer responsibilities, making the transition smoother. In another case, the company relied on a marketing employee’s digital twin during maternity leave, reducing the need for temporary hires.
Digital twins highlight how AI can support knowledge sharing and continuity within organizations. They allow businesses to retain expertise, reduce disruption, and improve efficiency without replacing human workers.
