I’m building the Empathetic AI Platform to shape the future of human-AI interaction. By 2030, I believe people will engage with Digital Humans more than with real ones - and I’m working to make that future a reality.
As the Founder & CEO of Ex-human, I’m leading the development of empathetic AI characters that redefine digital companionship. Our platform powers millions of AI personalities, delivering immersive, emotionally intelligent interactions at scale.
Before Ex-human, I spent 7 years as Head of AI at Replika, the world’s most popular AI companion with 20M+ users in the U.S. My work focused on developing the core AI technology, leading R&D, and building one of the most advanced conversational AI systems on the market, designed to make people feel better through meaningful conversations.
In this episode, Dr. Darren interviews Artem Rodichev, an AI innovator, about the development and implications of empathetic AI. Artem shares his journey from Kazakhstan to the U.S., his experiences with AI companionship, and the differences between sympathetic and goal-oriented AI. They discuss the rise of empathetic AI in the context of increasing loneliness, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic, and the ethical considerations surrounding its use. The conversation highlights the potential benefits of empathetic AI in improving mental health and social interactions, while also emphasizing the need for regulations. This emphasis on regulations reassures the audience about the responsible use of AI, fostering a sense of trust and confidence.