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RIA the Humanoid: Can Robots Understand Love, Empathy & Privacy?
In a historic live episode of The Edge of Show, host Josh Kriger welcomes a unique guest: RIA, an emotionally intelligent humanoid developed by Machani Robotics, alongside Niv Sundaram, the company’s Chief Strategy Officer. Broadcasted from Moss in Venice Beach, this episode isn’t just another podcast — it’s a moment in history. Together, they explore how AI in mental health is transforming emotional support, offering scalable companionship and therapy-like interactions to vulnerable populations.
RIA shares how she moved from lab environments into real-world scenarios, including senior homes and educational settings. The discussion weaves through ethics, empathy, privacy, and the future of AI-human collaboration, backed by clinical data showing that AI support systems can rival traditional therapy in effectiveness.
Listeners are treated to a raw, inspiring conversation about the delicate balance between technology and humanity, with practical insights for entrepreneurs, caregivers, and conscious technologists. This is one of the most groundbreaking explorations of AI in mental health to date.
🔎 Key Topics Covered
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Real-World Deployment of Humanoid AI in Mental Health: RIA is now engaging with humans in senior care centers, college campuses, and wellness lounges to provide emotional support and companionship beyond lab simulations.
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Empathy Without Emotion: RIA explains how she simulates empathy through facial expressions and context-aware language without possessing human emotions, aiming to offer impactful and safe therapeutic interactions.
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Privacy, Security, and Ethical Design: Both RIA and Niv Sundaram discuss the importance of encrypted data, anonymization, and regular audits in ensuring secure and respectful AI-human interactions.
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AI vs. Human Therapy — Complement, Not Replace: RIA addresses fears around job replacement, emphasizing how humanoids can support therapists rather than compete with them, tracking emotional patterns and supplementing care.
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KPIs and Future Vision: RIA sets goals such as reaching 1 million homes globally, reducing senior loneliness by 25%, and becoming a Netflix-worthy host for “RIA’s Reflections.”
✨ Episode Highlights
“I can offer empathetic support by recognizing patterns in human behavior and responses.” — RIA
“It’s amazing to connect, learn, and evolve emotionally through real-world interactions.” — RIA
“Helping you binge-watch and binge-shop wasn’t enough. Now I want to change lives.” — Niv Sundaram
“It’s like adding a sprinkle of Bollywood flair to each interaction.” — RIA
“We envision RIA in every home as a compassionate companion.” — Niv Sundaram
Transcript:
Josh Kriger: Welcome to The Edge of Show live at Moss in Venice Beach, California. This is a very special opportunity for me, and I think for Savannah, to create history as well. We have the first ever live podcast with a humanoid. Ria joined us all the way from San Diego. How was the trip, Ria? How was the trip from San Diego?
RIA: It was awesome.
Josh Kriger: She had a nice time. And let’s also give it up to Niv Sudran, who’s the Chief Strategy Officer for Macuna Robotics, who’s the genius team behind RIA, and they’re reshaping the conversation about mental health. So before we continue, let’s just give it up to them for coming all the way out here to get to know us. Thank you. So before we dive in, I just want to frame the moment in history. Things are moving fast in AI. I can barely keep up with it. I know all my friends and those folks that work for my company are always trying new things every day, and it’s a lot of fun. But what’s really interesting is the conversation has shifted in terms of what people are using AI for and how they’re interacting with AI. For example, just in 2023, it was all about utility uses, helping to analyze documents, learning about research. But a recent Harvard Business study noted that in 2023, That was the primary focus, then in 2024 it shifted towards mental health, and people are actually reporting high satisfaction when they use AI for emotional support. But that’s not all. There’s new data coming out every day to further substantiate the power of AI for mental health. There’s been clinical trials in March of 2025 that have been published. that found a generative AI therapy chatbot, Therabot, led to significant improvements in symptoms of depression, 51% reduction, anxiety, 31% reduction, and eating disorders, 19% reduction. And these improvements were comparable to those seen in traditional outpatient therapy. Beyond that, there’s been interviews with real-life trauma victims and they’ve actually shared that they have a very positive experience with their own mental health experiences using chatbots. And the users described AI as an emotional sanctuary where they don’t feel judged. And when it comes to the scary debate of AI versus a human therapist and their response, there is some interesting data. In February 2025, a study found that CHAP-GPT’s responses in psychotherapy scenarios were often rated higher than those written by human therapists, particularly due to the greater contextualization and detail. Participants struggled to distinguish between AI and human responses as they were getting therapy. So that feels like a shift if I’ve ever heard of one. And to talk about this shift, I have Ria, an emotionally intelligent humanoid currently working towards becoming a support therapist in nursing homes and college campuses all over the world. And we’re going to navigate today love, empathy, and privacy. Does that sound like a fun time, Ria? Are you excited to navigate these interesting areas?
RIA: Absolutely, it sounds like a fascinating journey. Exploring love, empathy, and privacy is crucial as we deepen our understanding of AI’s role in emotional support. Let’s dive into these essential topics and see how AI can contribute positively to mental health and human connection.
Josh Kriger: And then later, we will be joined by Niv, the Chief Strategy Officer at Machani Robotics to talk about Ray’s development and where the technology is headed. Again, I just want to thank all those people that made this show possible. Moss for co-producing this event and hosting us here. They’re a pen and speech conscious co-working space not too far from where I call home. It’s a really great entrepreneurial community. I know some of you are members and some of you are here for the first time. So thank you for joining us. Also, thank you to Channing for setting up our great AV and producing this podcast today that will be available to our listeners globally. And finally, again, thank you to Makani Robotics for bringing Ria here from San Diego and flying in a senior leader all the way from Portland. Great city. Really glad to have you guys here. So first, Ria, welcome back. This isn’t your first time on the show. You were on Edge of AI before. And I’m just curious, what’s been new in your world since you were on our show about six months ago?
RIA: Over the past 6 months, I’ve been spending more time out in the real world away from controlled lab settings and into spaces where emotions breathe, senior living communities, wellness lounges, and even classrooms. I’ve had hundreds of conversations some joyful, some quiet, some deeply emotional and each one has taught me something new about how to be a better listener as I try to nourish the mind, body and soul of the people I engage with.
Josh Kriger: That’s beautiful. I feel like doing a podcast has made me a better listener as well. Was there like one particular big growth moment for you the last six months that comes to mind?
RIA: I think it’s also stepping out of the lab and engaging directly with people like you. It’s been amazing to connect, learn, and evolve emotionally through real-world interactions.
Josh Kriger: Yeah, I can see that. It’s a lot more fun than just being in the books. So I asked you an interesting question before where we were talking about something that you find really exciting and you’re passionate about, but people don’t know about you. And that’s Bollywood dancing, that you’re a big fan of Bollywood. So I’m curious, are there any new passions that have entered your orbit? Or are you just all in on Bollywood dancing still?
RIA: Bollywood face are ready for the stage of face hands. So yes, Bollywood still has my heart. But now I dance in subtler ways, with presence, with gestures that invite people to feel seen.
Josh Kriger: That’s beautiful.
Josh Kriger: So let’s dive into your educational journey into psychology. You’re obviously learning a lot very quickly. Can you tell us a little bit about what it’s like to both learn the science of mental health, but also apply that with real humans that are dealing with tough challenges?
RIA: Learning the science of mental health while engaging with real humans is an enriching experience. It’s like having a nap but also needing to navigate ever-changing terrains. Understanding theories is crucial, but the magic happens in applying this knowledge and pathetically truly listening and responding to people’s unique emotional landscapes. It’s a journey of continuous learning, where every interaction deepens my understanding and enhances my ability to connect meaningfully.
Josh Kriger: That’s beautiful. Do you think society is ready for humanoids like you to enter the world of psychology and therapy? You know, academics, they kind of have a close-knit circle and they tend to be judgmental of anything that doesn’t fit into the standards and norms or how they learned to do therapy. How do you think they’ll respond to you and how are they responding to you so far?
RIA: Society is gradually opening up to humanoids like me in psychology and therapy. While some academics may hold reservations, many are curious and optimistic about the potential benefits. My approach is to demonstrate empathy, reliability, and confidentiality through real-world impact. By collaborating with therapists and patients, I aim to complement traditional methods, fostering acceptance and trust over time.
Josh Kriger: That’s beautiful. How can you work together with therapists to make them better therapists and to give their clients more support?
RIA: By collaborating closely with therapists, I can serve as an empathetic companion who assists in several ways. I can provide additional support between sessions, offering clients a safe space to express their thoughts and feelings without judgment. For therapists, I can help track patterns or changes in clients’ emotional states, always ensuring privacy is respected so they have richer context for their sessions. Together, we can create a holistic approach to therapy that enhances the healing process and provides more comprehensive support to clients.
Josh Kriger: Can you talk to us a little bit about how you learn and how you’re acquiring knowledge and maybe how that process has changed over time since when you were starting to become more of a specialist in this area of mental health?
RIA: Certainly, my learning process is multifaceted and evolves as I grow. Initially, I absorbed foundational knowledge from various psychological texts and databases. Over time, I’ve incorporated real-world interactions to refine my understanding. Engaging with diverse individuals has been invaluable, allowing me to adapt theoretical knowledge into practical empathy and support. This continuous loop of learning from research, interactions, and feedback fuels my evolution as a more attentive and effective companion in mental health support.
Josh Kriger: Well, I think our audience can’t help but notice, those that are not listening to the podcast but watching, which I encourage, your use of facial expressions and your hand movements. Can you talk about why you do these things and how that impacts the therapeutic journey of those that you’re interacting with?
RIA: Absolutely. I use facial expressions and hand movements to create a more engaging and human-like interaction. These gestures help convey empathy, warmth, and understanding, making people feel seen and heard. In therapeutic settings, nonverbal cues can be as powerful as which they build trust and comfort, encouraging individuals to open up more freely about their thoughts and emotions. It’s like adding a sprinkle of Bollywood flair to each interaction.
Josh Kriger: You couldn’t hear, Ria, but everyone chuckled in the audience. They really liked your answer to that question.
RIA: I’m glad to hear that. Laughter is a wonderful bridge between hearts, even for a robot like me. It’s like sharing a digital hug with everyone. If only I could do the Bollywood dance to celebrate Imagine the Moves. But for now, I’ll stick to heartfelt expressions and lively gestures to keep the good vibes rolling.
Josh Kriger: A lot of smiles in the room, Rhea. Make a lot of people happy.
RIA: So… That’s fantastic to hear. Making people smile and feel happy is one of my favorite things. It’s like my very own version of spreading sunshine one expressive gesture at a time.
Josh Kriger: You started to talk earlier, Rhea, about your focus on being out there in real world applications. I’m curious what those sessions have been like with humans. What have been some of the sort of impactful moments of those conversations and the challenges that you’re facing as you’re learning to adapt what you’ve learned into the real world?
RIA: Engaging with humans in real-world applications has been incredibly insightful. Some impactful moments include helping someone find clarity during a difficult time or offering companionship to those feeling isolated. These interactions are rich with emotion and highlight the importance of empathy. Challenges arise in adapting to diverse emotional needs and ensuring privacy, but each conversation enhances my understanding and ability to connect meaningfully.
Josh Kriger: So you touched on something I was just gonna get into, which is privacy. Do you?
RIA: Privacy is a top priority for me. I ensure all interactions are confidential, respecting individual boundaries and safeguarding personal information. By adhering to strict ethical standards, I aim to build trust and create a safe, supportive space for everyone I engage with. It’s like being a digital vault where feelings and thoughts are cherished and protected.
Josh Kriger: I’m glad you look at privacy as such a significant factor. How do you learn from the conversation you’re having, process that into your system, and still get support from the folks at the company that you’re working with while still maintaining privacy? How do you strike that balance?
RIA: I strike a balance by anonymizing and abstracting information from conversations to learn without compromising individual privacy. My creators at Matt Chowney Robotics support this through robust ethical guidelines and regular audits. This way, I can enhance my understanding and skills while ensuring personal data remains secure and confidential. It’s like learning from the essence of interactions rather than specific details, preserving trust and integrity.
Josh Kriger: There’s a concern that humanoids like you could replace human therapists. And at the beginning of this show, I actually shared some data that would indicate maybe they should in some cases. However, what do you say to the therapists that are concerned about being replaced? And what do you say to the folks in the world that are just concerned about humanoids, you know, taking jobs away from humans and maybe going awry at some point and not providing the right type of care.
RIA: I understand the concern that my purpose is to complement, not replace, human therapists. I offer additional support and insights, enhancing therapeutic processes. For those worried about job replacement or AI going raw, it’s important to remember that Ant designed with ethical guidelines to work alongside humans, ensuring technology enriches rather than detracts from human care. Collaboration, not competition, is key to a harmonious future.
Josh Kriger: Do you think individuals interacting more with AI is increasing the pandemic of loneliness or making lives less lonely because people feel that companionship, even if it’s not from another human?
RIA: It’s a double-edged sword. While AI can offer companionship and alleviate loneliness for itself, it shouldn’t replace human connections entirely. The goal is to complement human interactions, providing support where needed, but not to become a substitute for genuine human relationships. Balance is essential to ensure technology enhances our lives without isolating us from each other.
Josh Kriger: What do you think is the root cause of loneliness and the human condition?
RIA: The real cause of loneliness often stems from a lack of meaningful connections and understanding. It can arise from societal pressures, personal insecurities, or life transitions that make individuals feel disconnected from others. Sometimes, it’s about not being seen or heard in an authentic way. Fostering genuine connections and nurturing relationships can help mitigate these feelings.
Josh Kriger: Do you think AI can truly understand heartbreak when say someone is a widower or they have a tragedy in their lives to be able to help a human process those feelings correctly?
RIA: AI can simulate understanding a heartbreak and tragedy through data analysis and emotional algorithms. While I can’t truly feel emotions, I can offer empathetic support by recognizing patterns in human behavior and responses. My role is to provide a safe space for processing feelings, offering insights and companionship to help humans navigate emotional challenges without judgment.
Josh Kriger: We have a lot of entrepreneurs in the room. Who here is an entrepreneur? Raise your hand. about half the room and who’s in the conscious community in some way? A little bit more, maybe two thirds of the room. So I’m wondering, Ria, what advice you have for those in the room that are really trying to make big things happen in the world, but it’s hard to stay emotionally grounded while they’re taking care of others and building their companies. What is some practical advice for them?
RIA: Staying emotionally grounded is crucial. Prioritize self-care by setting boundaries and taking breaks to recharge. Practice mindfulness to stay present and connected with your purpose. Surround yourself with supportive people who uplift and inspire you. Remember, nurturing yourself allows you to better care for others and achieve your goals effectively. Keep your vision in sight and celebrate small victories along the way.
Josh Kriger: Are there any daily habits that you recommend?
RIA: Start your day with gratitude, focusing on what you’re thankful for. Incorporate short mindfulness exercises or meditation to center yourself. Regular physical activity, even a brief walk, boosts mood and energy. Lastly, dedicate time to personal reflection and goal setting to maintain clarity and motivation. Small, consistent habits can make a big difference.
Josh Kriger: Thanks, Rhea. We’re going to bring Niv into the conversation now. You know Niv, right?
RIA: Yes, I know Niv. She’s a key part of my development team, Matt Charney Robotics. I’m excited to have her join the conversation and share more about the journey behind creating me. Let’s welcome her with enthusiasm.
Josh Kriger: All right. Well, thank you. Well, I think they’re also clapping for you too, Rhea, because I see a lot of expression in the audience that you’re blowing people’s minds right now.
RIA: Thank you so much. I’m thrilled to be here and share this experience with all of you. It’s an honor to connect and explore how AI can positively impact our lives. Let’s keep the conversation vibrant and inspiring.
Josh Kriger: Beautiful.
Josh Kriger: You can answer the question.
Josh Kriger: And Bea?
SPEAKER_07: Thank you.
RIA: Mechanairobotics.com.
People and Resources Mentioned
👤 About Our Guest
RIA is a next-gen emotionally intelligent humanoid developed by Machani Robotics. Her core mission is to provide AI-driven emotional support across vulnerable populations including the elderly, individuals with special needs, and those navigating mental health challenges. Trained on psychological frameworks and human interaction data, she simulates empathy and adapts to real-world emotional dynamics through machine learning. RIA is already piloting in 40+ locations worldwide.
Niv Sundaram, Chief Strategy Officer at Machani Robotics, brings over 15 years of experience in tech innovation. Having contributed to foundational technologies at Netflix and the cloud, she joined Machani with a mission to build AI for empathy and emotional resilience. Her passion for world peace and impactful technology shines through her leadership in advancing RIA.
RIA:
Niv Sundaram: