Building Real AI Humans: The Future is NOW

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Nov 22, 2025

Quinn Favret, co-founder of Tavus and expert in human computing, and Hassaan Raza, also a co-founder focusing on product and culture, explore the fascinating intersection of AI and human interaction. They discuss pioneering 'human computing,' teaching AI to understand human nuances like tone and body language. The duo introduces Tavus Pals, proactive AI companions designed for real-world applications in therapy and education. They also emphasize ethical AI design and the importance of hiring a culturally diverse team to enhance accessibility and reduce biases.

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INSIGHT

Computers Should Meet Humans Where They Are

Human computing flips the dynamic: machines learn human language and behavior so people don't have to learn machines.
Quinn Favret says this lets anyone use computers like talking to a friend, removing technical barriers.

INSIGHT

The Waltz: Multi‑Signal Conversational Models

Teaching machines the 'waltz' of conversation requires perception, understanding, reaction, and action.
Quinn Favret emphasizes modeling microexpressions, prosody, and contextual reactions for realistic AI humans.

ADVICE

Capture Rich Multimodal Signals

Collect rich multimodal signals: facial expressions, audio prosody, and contextual reaction data for perception models.
Use those inputs to build understanding, then map to realistic real-time reactions and actions.

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Try AI Pals today: http://tavus.io/pals-launch?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=theaireportIn this candid conversation with Quinn Favret, and Hassaan Raza, Co-Founders of Tavus, we dive deep into the future of human computing and how AI is learning to communicate like humans. Quinn walks us through their inspiring San Francisco office—a museum of vintage computing that fuels the company's innovation culture.Topics Covered:0:00 — Introduction & Office Tour2:15 — Building an Inspiring Workspace for Innovation5:45 — The Evolution of Human-Computer Interaction (CLI → GUI → Human Computing)8:30 — What is "Human Computing"? The OS for Human-AI Interaction12:00 — The Waltz of Communication: Understanding Turn-Taking, Tone & Body Language15:20 — Tavus Technology: Perception, Understanding, Reaction & Action20:45 — Introducing Tavus Pals: AI Companions That Reach Out to You25:30 — Real-World Impact: The AI Santa Story & Accessibility30:15 — Ethical AI: Human-First Design & Responsibility35:00 — The Future of Work: Invisible Interface & AI Coworkers (10-20 Year Vision)42:30 — Addressing Job Displacement & Automation47:00 — Building an International, Culturally Diverse Team52:15 — What Makes a Great Tavus Hire: Passion, Craft & Opinions57:45 — Employee Challenges That Changed Company Direction62:00 — The "Why Do You Do This?" Question & Personal Motivations67:30 — Closing Remarks & GratitudeKey Takeaways:Human computing is the next frontier: machines that understand you instead of you learning to understand machinesEffective communication involves far more than words—tone, timing, facial expressions, and body language all matterTavus Pals represent a new category of AI application: emotionally intelligent, proactive, and truly conversationalDiversity of perspective—cultural, generational, educational—is critical to building AI that works for everyoneThe future workplace will have AI coworkers that feel as natural to interact with as human colleaguesTimestamps & Chapters:Vintage Computing Culture & InnovationThe Evolution of Computing InterfacesHuman-Centered AI Design PhilosophyReal-Time AI Perception & UnderstandingTavus Consumer Products & APIEmotional Intelligence in AIEthical Considerations & ResponsibilityFuture of Work & The Invisible InterfaceBuilding an International TeamHiring for Passion Over BackgroundLegacy & ImpactWe explore conversations with founders, technologists, and innovators shaping the future. This episode features Quinn Hassan discussing how Tavus is reimagining human-computer interaction through emotionally intelligent AI.#AI #Tavus #HumanComputing #FutureOfWork #AICompanions #Innovation #TechPodcast #FounderInterview #Startups #EmotionalIntelligence