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Tripp, a leading company in XR wellness, has unveiled Kōkua AI, an innovative mental wellness assistant designed to provide tailored emotional support in real-time across a variety of platforms.
Taking its name from a Hawaiian word meaning “selfless care,” Kōkua AI utilizes extensive data on mood and emotional states collected from over 23 million emotional entries recorded during Tripp’s global wellness sessions. This extensive dataset enables it to deliver personalized and adaptive support to users.
Kōkua AI is engineered not just to communicate but to comprehend, reflect, and respond in ways that are specifically tailored to each user’s emotional requirements. Available on mobile devices, immersive settings, and voice-activated platforms, Kōkua AI is a significant advancement in emotional well-being technology, according to Nanea Reeves, CEO of Tripp, during her conversation with GamesBeat.
“We see Kōkua AI as a pivotal differentiator for Tripp,” Reeves shared. “Our goal is to provide a comprehensive approach to wellness, ensuring availability across multiple devices.”
The Relevance of Kōkua in Today’s World
The introduction of Kōkua comes at a crucial juncture, according to Reeves. Emerging research strongly suggests that digital platforms, particularly those driven by AI, VR, and AR technologies, can significantly enhance access to mental health resources and improve therapeutic outcomes:
Studies indicate that both Virtual Reality (VR) and AI have shown considerable effectiveness in alleviating symptoms associated with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and phobias. VR creates immersive, therapeutic environments that facilitate emotional regulation (Nature, 2024).
Moreover, AI chatbots are gaining traction in mood monitoring, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and suicide prevention, with users valuing their constant availability, non-judgmental interface, and user-friendly design (JMIR, 2017).
• A recent study published in NEJM AI (2024) demonstrates how autonomous AI mental health assistants can offer personalized interventions through natural language processing and voice analysis, enhancing user engagement and effectiveness.
• 80% of Americans now believe that AI can help elevate healthcare quality and accessibility, with 25% expressing a preference for providers that incorporate AI—showing a growing acceptance of artificial intelligence in wellness and healthcare (Tebra Health Perception Study, 2024).
Key Features of Kōkua AI
• Voice Avatars with Cloning: The AI now boasts an extensive voice library with over 20 different voices, including the capability for Personalized Voice Cloning, allowing users to hear their own voice providing customized wellness guidance.
• AI-Powered Reflections: This feature offers guided check-ins and interactive coaching thanks to TRIPP’s proprietary Kōkua Core engine.
• Image Generation: Provides real-time visual representations based on user mood and conversational context.
• Immersive Worlds: Users can explore stunning 3D environments and audio landscapes specifically designed to foster calmness and concentration.
• Direct Dial Access (Coming Soon): This feature will allow users to access mental wellness support via phone, accessible regardless of headset use.
• Gamified Dialogue: A unique conversational volley system promotes sustained and engaging interactions.
Positive Outcomes from Kōkua
Since its beta launch on mobile and VR platforms in 2024, Kōkua has seen remarkable user engagement, with a 100% increase in session participation and over 45% of premium users continuing to use the app for more than 12 months. It received accolades, including Best Innovation of 2025 by the Aurea Awards and Best in Spatial Computing on Apple Vision Pro, while garnering over 2.6 million five-star ratings that contribute to training Kōkua AI.
Underpinned by Innovation and Trust
Kōkua AI draws on Tripp’s patented mood detection and personalization technology, which modifies wellness experiences based on user inputs, breathing patterns, and real-time conversation flows. This platform employs a responsive atomic voice delivery method, ensuring user trust through features allowing them to cancel or adjust inputs during sessions.
“Wellness paths are not one-size-fits-all. With Kōkua, we are designing emotionally intelligent tools that adapt to your individual needs—in your voice, on your terms,” Reeves stated. “We are grateful for the feedback and feelings shared by our community that have shaped this platform.”
Tim Chang, a venture partner at Mayfield Fund, remarked, “Tripp has consistently anticipated developments in AI. Kōkua represents years of ethical growth dedicated to mental wellness.”
Where to Find Kōkua
Kōkua is now accessible via the Tripp mobile app (for both iOS and Android), as well as on Meta Quest, Apple Vision Pro, HTC Flow, PlayStation VR, and Pico. The company plans to introduce it to Android XR and other platforms, including smart glasses and AR devices.
Continuous Feature Evolution
The app includes innovative features that users can discover organically before wider announcements. Among these is an expanded voice library for Kōkua AI, now featuring 21 voices, including three highly requested ASMR whisper options.
Reeves highlighted ongoing research indicating that hearing one’s own voice can improve emotional self-regulation, activating specific brain regions associated with self-reference.
“Hearing a positive message in your own voice can make it feel more personal and impactful,” Reeves explained. The voice cloning feature, initially introduced on the Meta Quest platform, is set to be rolled out on mobile as well, alongside real-time imaging capabilities.
Confidence Enhancers with Kōkua AI
Kōkua AI provides users with confidence-boosting support. In interactions, users can request encouragement before significant events. For instance, Kōkua AI delivered inspiring affirmations and encouraged visualization of a positive future.
“Our platform is specifically designed to generate outputs aimed at enhancing mental and emotional well-being,” Reeves said. “This focus sets us apart in the wellness industry.”
Tripp also creates customized meditation exercises, integrating safety measures to manage the expanding array of AI agents available.
During a nervous moment about an interview, Kōkua AI reassured Reeves, reminding her of her strengths and suggesting deep breathing techniques to ease anxiety.
When Reeves inquired about her interactions with the AI, it provided detailed insights while expressing support and encouragement.
In anticipation of Mental Health Awareness Month in May, Tripp plans to introduce new AI agents, including one specifically targeted at life coaching.
Ensuring User Privacy
Reeves emphasized the importance of confidentiality, especially among younger male users who often share deep feelings they might hesitate to disclose in traditional settings. Tripp adopts stringent ethical practices in data collection, allowing users to delete their information whenever they choose.
Data storage processes deliberately separate personal identifiers from any stored information, and while conversations aren’t recorded, summaries are retained for contextual understanding. Users have the option to disable information recording during sessions.
Increased Automation of AI Features
Tripp is automating numerous tasks within its production processes utilizing AI, enhancing operational efficiency. Real-time assistance is being developed for individuals seeking help, ensuring that human support is available when necessary.
“This journey has been enlightening,” Reeves remarked. “We’re investigating creating 3D real-time videos and interactive elements within our experiences.”
“We believe we are the leaders in XR wellness, particularly in mental wellness, and have achieved top ratings on the Quest platform. We are proud recipients of accolades in spatial computing on Apple Vision Pro and are eager to expand further onto platforms like Android XR, ultimately reaching wider audiences through mobile devices,” she added.
Additionally, Kōkua AI audio will be available for phone interactions, and the Tripp team plans to enable this feature on their mobile app, including potential integrations with smart glasses.
“We want to provide an experience reflecting how users feel in real time. Our plans for the upcoming year include incorporating more biological signals, starting with assessing voice sentiment to detect stress, joy, and other emotional states,” Reeves noted.
Future Benchmarks and Plans
Kōkua AI has utilized 23 million emotional inputs to train its context engine and has recorded nearly 3 million VR downloads. “Our immediate objective is to scale into the mobile domain and expand our accessibility,” said Reeves.
While the app enjoys high ratings, she aims for broader public adoption in the long term. “We’re engaging many young service members and veterans, and it’s essential to reach a wider audience with our AI insights,” Reeves stated. She believes that AR smart glasses will serve as a crucial turning point for their growth.
Tripp plans to integrate coaching into both audio and visual features, akin to soothing music visualizers. Users can upload personal images to increase engagement, as personalized experiences have been shown to enhance user retention significantly. Reeves observes that improved AI response speeds further enhance user interaction.
“This will be a vital driver for retention,” she emphasized. “As we roll out new AI agents, the first will likely focus on mental health coaching. It’s not a substitute for professional support, but rather a friendly voice available during late-night moments of need. We prioritize a thoughtful approach to interactions with AI.”
Source
venturebeat.com