The Future of Digital Humans | Squeezing the Juice with Rob Sims, Sum Vivas

In this episode of Squeezing the Juice, Owen Cotterell is joined by Rob Sims, CEO and co-founder of Sum Vivas, to dive into the fascinating world of digital humans — where AI, design, and emotion meet.Rob shares how digital humans are transformingcustomer experiences, mental health support, and neurodiversity inclusion, while breaking down barriers to adoption through purpose-driven innovation.Together, they explore the balance between realism and comfort, the rise of AI-powered empathy, and the business impact of human-centred technology.Discover how AI-powered avatars are reshaping customer experiences, healthcare, and neurodiverse support.TAKEAWAYSDigital humans create connection, familiarity, and trust.Avoiding the uncanny valley is key to user comfort.Adoption of digital humans is rising as AI skepticism decreasesCustomer needs drive customisation and brand alignment.Digital humans + XR = next-level user experiences.Empowering neurodiverse individuals through safe, non-judgemental AI.Purpose beats vanity - tech must have meaning.CONNECT WITH ROB & SUM VIVAS👥 Rob Sims Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/robsims1275/💻 Website - https://www.sumvivas.com👥 Sum Vivas Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/sum-vivas-ltd/🎥 YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@SumVivas23 📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sumvivas/CONNECT WITH JUICE IMMERSIVE💻 Website - https://juiceimmersive.com👥 Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/juice-immersive🎥 YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@juiceimmersive3592🐦 X - https://twitter.com/juiceimmersive📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/juiceimmersiveCREDITSHost: Owen Cotterell - https://www.linkedin.com/in/owencotterellProducer: Jon Bradley - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonpaulbradleyEditor: Dexter GorstMusic: Dom Champion - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominic-champion-865750b9CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction to Digital Humans and AI Integration03:06 The Current State of Digital Humans06:06 Barriers to Adoption of Digital Humans08:23 Comparing Digital Humans to Chatbots10:11 Designing Digital Humans14:00 Applications of Digital Humans16:24 Digital Humans in Customer Service17:24 The Intersection of Digital Humans and XR18:34 Digital Humans in Training and Education19:57 Empowerment Through Digital Humans21:58 Digital Humans in Healthcare and Social Care24:10 Personal Reflections on Digital Humans26:41 Real-Time Insights and Data Utilization28:10 The Importance of Digital Human Technology31:01 The Two-Tier Society of AI Adoption35:23 Understanding the 'Why' Behind Technology Adoption40:38 Enhancing Customer Engagement Through Technology42:03 Addressing the Fear of AI and Promoting Awareness45:35 Innovations and Future Directions for Sum VivasKEYWORDSdigital humans, AI integration, extended reality, customerengagement, technology adoption, neurodiversity, mental health, business innovation, design, applications