The value creation potential of digital humans

Abstract: 'Digital humans' are digital reproductions of humans powered by AI and capable of communicating and forming emotional bonds. The value creation potential of digital humans is overlooked due to the limitations of digital human technologies. This article explores the value creation potential and the value realisation limitations of digital humans. The analysis is based on a review of 62 articles retrieved from the Web of Science database. The analysis suggests that digital humans have the potential to alleviate labour and skill shortages, reduce the natural human element in high-risk tasks, avoid design errors, improve the ergonomics of products and workplaces, and provide guidance and emotional support, all of which will benefit natural humans in the workplace. However, technical limits, evolving understanding of digital humans, the social significance and acceptance of digital humans, ethical considerations, and the adjustment of legal tradition limit the value realisation. This review suggests that digital humans' perceived usefulness and ease of development determine organisations' willingness to utilise this technology. Overcoming the limitations, which still involve engineering challenges and a change in how they are perceived, will positively affect realising the value potential of digital humans in organisations.