I bet this actually becomes a thing for each president going forward.
Recently, the Smithsonian stopped by the White House to take a 3D portrait of President Obama, in what will be be the highest resolution digital model of a head of state. Take a look at the process, and the 3D rendering created from this technology.
Meh – big deal. Disney has been doing this since 1971, when Disney Legend and master artist Blaine Gibson crafted all 36 (at the time) presidents for the Hall of Presidents in the Magic Kingdom, and continued to add a new one as each was elected. And those likenesses move, interact with each other, and stand and talk! 🙂
Seriously, though, this is cool stuff. I wonder if there will be a point when it becomes practical to have likenesses made of family members, as a way to remember them other than just photo/video.