Jenny Shao, a former resident physician at Harvard, launched an AI assistant named Robyn during the pandemic to address emotional isolation. Unlike other AI companion apps, Robyn is designed as an empathetic, emotionally intelligent partner, not a replacement for clinical practitioners. Shao emphasizes that the app does not substitute for therapy, aiming instead to support users through meaningful conversations and insights about their emotions and behaviors.
The onboarding process collects personal data to tailor interactions, including emotional fingerprints and attachment styles. Robyn is committed to user safety, providing crisis resources when necessary and avoiding trivial inquiries. The startup has secured $5.5 million in seed funding, with endorsements highlighting its unique focus on emotional connection amidst online disconnection. Priced at $19.99 per month or $199 annually, Robyn targets improving human connections by enhancing self-awareness and emotional health.
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