"Explore AI-Powered Avatars Showcased at Embedded World 2024"

A California-based startup has unveiled an innovative solution to address employee shortages: AI-powered avatars that businesses can deploy as virtual staff. At this year’s Embedded World event in Nuremberg, Germany, SapientX is showcasing Vivian, a cutting-edge digital human designed to facilitate interactions with customers. Developed in collaboration with Intel, Vivian stands out due to its efficiency, requiring minimal computing power and little to no internet connection, making it an ideal choice for applications in kiosks and robots.

Vivian is powered by Intel's advanced neural processing unit (NPU) AI chips, enabling it to comprehend the emotions of those it engages with. This capability allows Vivian to craft contextually relevant and empathetic responses to user inquiries, enhancing the overall customer experience. Attendees at the event can see Vivian in action on an impressive 8K resolution display at Intel’s booth.

Previously, Vivian has been demonstrated in collaboration with Volkswagen, where it effectively assisted human sales staff by providing detailed answers to customer inquiries about vehicles, both in showrooms and via mobile devices. The technology has already seen success, with SapientX having developed other avatars for prominent brands. Notably, Keiku, a TV assistant originally created for Samsung, and Hazel, a cat-like companion designed for a Yamaha initiative aimed at supporting seniors, showcase the versatility of SapientX’s offerings.

In addition to Vivian, SapientX has tailored avatars for specific industries. One such example is Cassie, designed for healthcare settings. Cassie will be deployed in HealthPoint clinics in Texas, assisting with patient check-ins and processing co-payments in both English and Spanish, thereby improving operational efficiency.

The driving force behind SapientX is its sophisticated conversational AI software platform, which powers the voice and intelligence of its avatars. This platform not only allows the avatars to access information online to answer questions but also enables them to process unstructured company data, enhancing the accuracy of responses. Furthermore, SapientX employs a computer vision-enabled camera that allows its system to recognize people and objects, elevating user engagement through a more interactive experience.

Founded in 2016 by three innovative friends, SapientX aims to create voice technology that enables natural and friendly interactions, akin to conversing with a close friend. The company is led by CEO David Colleen and principal scientist Bruce Wilcox, with Maclen Marvit having left the organization in 2019.

The potential for conversational AI is vast, with early versions of this technology previously integrated into the Talking Angela app for iOS, where users could engage with a virtual cat character. As the demand for interactive solutions grows, SapientX continues to push the boundaries of what AI avatars can achieve in enhancing customer engagement and operational efficiency across various industries.