Nuance Labs has released its Nuplex foundation model and an accompanying AI persona, Emma, to improve the timing and fluidity of digital conversations. The new agent is designed to behave like a human by listening and reacting as a user speaks, using visual cues to indicate when the AI will take its turn. In tests covering 1,785 real conversations, Emma matched human response timing in 89% of instances, while the next closest system achieved 35%.
The video agent was developed over 18 months by a team of three former Apple researchers. Emma identifies herself as an AI, though she utilizes the voice and face of a professional actress. Nuance Labs has raised more than $60 million to date from investors including Nvidia, Accel, Lightspeed and South Park Commons.
