One year ago we presented evidence at the NSW Inquiry into Loneliness, sharing our work on AI‑companions co‑created with older people and those with dementia. We’re proud to continue contributing to compassionate, human‑centred tech that supports connection and care.
Our Tea & Technology Café brought older people and service‑providers together to explore AI companions, VR, immersive sound and panels with industry leaders. A space to rethink tech beyond youth markets and spotlight ideas that support connection, creativity and wellbeing. ☕💛
Last year we launched World Comes Alive — an immersive VR experience inspired by writer and psychoanalyst Marion Milner and Object Relations theory. It is not designed to represent the world, but to open up a “potential space” where imagination and emotion come alive.
feel-lab.org/research_pro...
Last year, we took part in the UNSW Societal Impact of AI Symposium.
We showcased Skilled Companions — screen‑based companions that combine conversation with psychosocial support. Co‑designed with communities and powered by AI, they help address gaps in support for loneliness and mental health.
We are thrilled to share that our project, Skilled Companions, has been spotlighted in the UNSW Powered 100+ Innovations book— a showcase of UNSW’s most groundbreaking, impact-driven work ✨
The project brings together emotionally intelligent AI, lived-experience insights, and trauma-informed design.
Jill Bennett, Director of BARC, shares powerful insights on how AI skilled companions can support people, while not replacing the importance of real human connection.
This is from our Tea & Tech event, where we brought together industry experts to explore technologies designed with older consumers.
Last year, our project World Comes Alive was featured at SXSW Sydney. Over 4 days, hundreds of visitors stepped into our booth and shared overwhelmingly positive feedback—many didn’t want to leave! 💫
WCA is a VR experience of virtual environments that encourage emotional presence and imagination.
Last month, Scientia Professor Jill Bennett was featured in New Associations Magazine, with an article about our groundbreaking project, World Comes Alive. In the piece, Jill explores the therapeutic power of VR and how immersive technology can transform wellbeing across diverse communities.
As 2025 draws to a close, we would wish all our community a happy holiday season! We are proud to share that it has been another busy year with the launch of our AI-companion startup skilled companions™, and 20+ international partnerships fostered.
#thebiganxiety #livedexperience #mentalhealth
So many amazing people are coming together for #TransformingTrauma - co-creating #VirtualReality experiences, led by remote and regional First Nations communities - proud to work with you all! www.unsw.edu.au/newsroom/new...
Wonderful to welcome so many people to our drop-in Tea & Technology Cafe 'Why Would I Want That?' - focusing on lived experience-led #AI companions with/for older people & those living with dementia. #unsw #DementiaAustralia #Dementia #AgeingFuturesInstitute #BARC #ageing #psychosocial.AI
