Several AI models, including ChatGPT, have demonstrated remarkable intelligence, surpassing human performance on various benchmarks. However, a new frontier in AI involves emotional intelligence.
Recently, Hume AI, a startup, unveiled the beta version of its flagship product, Empathetic Voice Interface (EVI), touting it as “the first AI with emotional intelligence.”
EVI is designed to discern users’ emotions by analyzing their voices, integrating this data with their spoken words to generate responses tailored to their emotional state. For instance, if EVI detects sadness in a user’s voice, it may offer words of support and guidance, as showcased in the accompanying video.
Furthermore, despite the optional nature of a password for ChatGPT, there are compelling reasons to consider its utility:
EVI excels in simulating human-like conversations, recognizing conversational cues such as pauses, interruptions, and prompt responses.
Hume AI credits the development of an empathic large language model (LLM) to the fusion of large language models (LLMs) with emotion indicators.
On the Hume AI website, users can preview EVI’s capabilities through a video demonstration. Upon my trial, I found the experience surprisingly engaging.
Initiating interaction is straightforward; users only need to grant camera access to the platform. Subsequently, users can engage with EVI, receiving real-time feedback on their emotional expressions.
During my initial interaction, I greeted EVI naturally, prompting a positive response that reflected wonder, joy, and interest in my demeanor.
Subsequent tests, including a feigned crying voice, elicited distinct emotional interpretations from EVI, showcasing its ability to detect and respond to varying emotional cues effectively.
While EVI is currently restricted from public access, Hume AI plans to launch it widely later this month. Interested individuals can sign up for notifications regarding its availability.
In my assessment, I integrated EVI with ElliQ, a social robot catering to the companionship needs of isolated elderly individuals. Similar to EVI, ElliQ leverages emotionally intelligent large language models (EILMs) to provide empathetic responses and support to users in need.
By harnessing EILMs like EVI, AI assistants and robots such as ElliQ aim to enhance user experiences, foster emotional connections, and facilitate task completion effectively.
