Jenny Shao, a former physician with a Harvard residency, has ventured into the tech space with the launch of Robyn, an AI companion designed to provide empathetic support. Prompted by the emotional challenges individuals faced during the pandemic, Shao pivoted from medicine to technology, aiming to create an AI that serves as a supportive partner rather than a rival to traditional therapists.
Robyn presents a nuanced alternative in the crowded landscape of AI assistants. While general-purpose chatbots like ChatGPT and therapeutic applications such as Replika exist, Robyn strives to carve its own identity. Shao emphasizes that Robyn is not a substitute for clinical help, stating, “It is equivalent to someone who knows you very well… an emotionally intelligent partner.”
The design of Robyn is informed by Shao’s background in neuroscience, having previously studied under Nobel Laureate Eric Kandel. The app aims to mimic human memory, allowing it to better relate to users and adapt to their emotional needs.
Upon downloading the app, users go through an onboarding process that assesses their goals, challenges, and preferred communication styles. This initial setup is key in tailoring the AI’s responses and recommendations, like creating personalized morning routines.
As interactions continue, Robyn analyzes user behavior to provide insights into their emotional patterns and traits, including factors such as attachment style and love language. In addition, the startup has developed a demo website that showcases how users can benefit from Robyn’s features in various contexts.
Safety is a top priority for Shao and her team. Robyn features built-in safety mechanisms, including directing users to crisis resources if any discussions around self-harm arise. The AI also sets boundaries, refraining from responding to non-personal inquiries like sports scores.
Robyn has garnered $5.5 million in seed funding, led by M13 and supported by notable investors, including early Canva investor Bill Tai and Google Maps co-founder Lars Rasmussen. The startup has expanded from three to ten team members rapidly, reflecting its growth ambitions.
With a subscription cost of $19.99 per month or $199 annually, Robyn is now available in the U.S. The app aims to foster meaningful connections but faces the challenge of ensuring user safety while preventing anthropomorphism of the AI.
As the tech landscape evolves, Robyn stands as a promising development in emotionally intelligent AI, striving to enhance human connections while prioritizing user well-being.
