In the wake of the large language model (LLM) revolution, developers and tech enthusiasts are increasingly captivated by AI “agents” capable of autonomously executing complex tasks.
Today, Newo.ai, a Silicon Valley startup co-founded by David Yang, introduced a service that integrates these intelligent agents with physical robots, effectively merging digital and human labor.
Newo's AI Agent Builder
The true innovation of Newo.ai lies in its AI agent builder platform. This solution allows businesses to replicate the intelligence of an entry-level human worker right "out of the box." Newo's digital employees can perform a variety of office tasks, including making and receiving calls, sending emails, joining Zoom meetings, taking notes, and greeting clients.
Customizing Newo's digital workers to fit specific business needs typically takes between two hours and two days. These workers can handle essential tasks required of receptionists, sales agents, technical support staff, and HR operators. Additionally, Newo’s agents can be integrated into any robot form chosen by the customer, with Moxie—developed by Embodied—as a default option.
"Before 2023, technologies were too rigid and lacked autonomy to be 'hired,'" Yang noted. With Newo.ai, “you’re hiring an employee that comprehends your business’s complexities and adapts accordingly.”
According to a Goldman Sachs report, Newo’s agents could potentially replace 300 million jobs, creating a trillion-dollar market. However, Yang emphasizes that this shift won't lead to mass unemployment, as job vacancies are growing faster than they can be filled. He envisions Newo's agents taking on basic roles to allow humans to focus on higher-value tasks.
Currently, Newo employs 25 people and has 23 paying customers, including SoliVana Wellness Spa and Mayweather Fitness & Boxing. The company plans to accept 500 more customers on a first-come, first-serve basis, with broader accessibility expected by April or May. The early adopters are particularly interested in roles related to sales consulting and customer support.
Newo.ai: Beyond Simple Productivity Tools
Until now, many technologies have functioned merely as productivity tools, requiring companies to adjust their processes. Yang argues that Newo's digital employees eliminate this need. By focusing on the intellectual aspects of their digital workers, Newo allows for flexibility in physical form; the robot doesn't need to be humanoid and could take the shape of an avatar on a screen or another innovative form.
One early user, co-owner Natasha Berness of SoliVana Wellness Spa, found it challenging to hire knowledgeable employees. After integrating Newo's agent, which now handles calls, bookings, and payments, she expressed relief at the system's efficiency. With Newo managing customer inquiries about wellness practices, Berness can finally enjoy her weekends.
Newo’s vision also encompasses future humanoid robots that can perform tasks like folding towels or cleaning floors.
Cost-Effective Digital Employees
Even when including the cost of a physical robot, Newo’s digital workers remain competitively priced compared to human counterparts. For instance, while human employees can cost around $90,000 annually, Newo's digital workers, including a high-end robot, can be less than $20,000. The base subscription for a Newo digital worker is approximately $6,000 annually, with added functionalities bringing costs to $7,000 to $9,000.
Yang highlights the benefits of digital workers: they can operate without burnout and maintain high reliability, finishing tasks 24/7.
Competitive Landscape and Market Differentiation
While various companies offer LLM-based agent builders, Newo.ai stands out due to its speed and flexibility. Unlike services like OpenAI’s Assistant API, which require months of coding, Newo's platform enables developers to create digital employees in a fraction of the time.
Yang, an experienced entrepreneur in automation and productivity tools, recognized the potential of LLMs after the release of ChatGPT in late 2022. His vision grew from personal experimentation with AI and robotics, leading him to build a digital employee capable of performing basic office tasks across many settings.
Newo’s Innovative Features
Newo.ai operates with defined skills and workflows for its agents. These features ensure that digital employees can handle various tasks effectively and maintain customer interaction across multiple platforms.
To foster growth, Newo is actively recruiting implementation and support partners who serve small businesses, promising them a share of the generated revenue. A notable feature coming soon allows managers to update agent instructions in real time using natural language.
Conclusion
Newo.ai is poised to redefine workplace dynamics with its innovative digital employees. As industries increasingly seek AI integration, Newo is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend. However, simplification of the onboarding process and user interface for non-tech-savvy clients will be crucial for widespread adoption. While the future of Newo.ai as a leader in LLM-powered digital employees remains to be seen, it certainly offers a compelling vision of what lies ahead.
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