An app developed by Cedars-Sinai for use with Apple’s new spatial computing headset is putting a new spin on the concept of virtual care. The eXtended-Reality Artificially Intelligent Ally, or Xaia, uses artificial intelligence to generate a totally virtual therapist that can lead a patient through an immersive therapy session. The Xaia technology is now available on Apple’s newly released Vision Pro virtual reality headset, offering a gateway into a world of immersive, interactive behavioral health support. It was developed with the support of Cedars’ Technology Ventures enterprise and has been licensed to VRx Health for commercialization.
The Xaia app, installed on the Vision Pro headset, displays a 3D avatar in calming environments like a beach or meadow, supplanting a wearer’s view of the real world. The software’s generative AI mimics the role of a human therapist, providing mental health support through various therapy techniques including cognitive behavioral therapy, supportive talk therapy, motivational interviewing, and relapse prevention therapy. The app can also guide patients through deep breathing and meditation exercises.
According to a recent study published in Nature Digital Medicine, Xaia’s AI model was trained to recognize conversational patterns and ideal responses from a therapist. In conversations with 14 participants, the AI responded with empathy, support, and pertinent follow-up questions. While participants expressed a preference for human therapists, they described the avatar as friendly, approachable, calming, empathic, empowering, unbiased, and intelligent.
Cedars-Sinai’s Xaia technology aims to revolutionize virtual care by providing an immersive therapy experience through Apple’s Vision Pro headset. With its stunning display and vivid colors, the headset offers a quantum leap beyond previous technologies. The Xaia app and its virtual therapist can offer mental health support, guiding patients through therapy sessions while creating a deeply personal experience. Although some participants favored human therapists, they unanimously recommended the software to others, highlighting the avatar’s friendly and empathetic characteristics.
By incorporating AI-powered therapy into a virtual reality headset, Cedars-Sinai is leveraging technology to enhance behavioral health support. The Xaia app’s AI model, trained with real therapist-patient interactions, allows patients to benefit from therapy techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy and supportive talk therapy. With the ability to guide patients through breathing exercises and meditation, the app provides a holistic approach to mental health support.
The study published in Nature Digital Medicine further solidifies the effectiveness and safety of Xaia’s virtual therapy. Through its empathetic responses and personalized interactions, the AI model offers a supportive and empowering environment for patients. Although the preference for human therapists still exists, many participants acknowledge the benefits of the Xaia app and its ability to provide accessible and engaging mental health support.
Cedars-Sinai’s collaboration with Apple’s Vision Pro headset opens up new possibilities for virtual care. The combination of immersive technology and AI-powered therapy creates a unique and transformative therapeutic experience. The Xaia app’s integration with the headset showcases the potential of spatial computing and its impact on healthcare. In a time where telehealth has gained significant popularity, Cedars-Sinai’s innovation offers a forward-thinking approach to mental health support.
As the healthcare industry continues to embrace technological advancements, the potential for virtual care and AI-powered therapy grows. Cedars-Sinai’s Xaia app, in partnership with VRx Health, exemplifies this progress by providing a virtual therapist through Apple’s Vision Pro headset. With its immersive environments and intelligent responses, the app revolutionizes mental health support, ultimately improving patient outcomes and accessibility. The merging of virtual reality and artificial intelligence opens a new chapter in healthcare, one where the VR doctor is in.
