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

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. TAKEAWAYS * Digital humans create connection, familiarity, and trust. * Avoiding the uncanny valley is key to user comfort. * Adoption of digital humans is rising as AI skepticism decreases * Customer 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/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/robsims1275/] 💻 Website - https://www.sumvivas.com [https://www.sumvivas.com] 👥 Sum Vivas Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/sum-vivas-ltd/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/sum-vivas-ltd/] 🎥 YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@SumVivas23 [https://www.youtube.com/@SumVivas23] 📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sumvivas/ [https://www.instagram.com/sumvivas/] CONNECT WITH JUICE IMMERSIVE 💻 Website - https://juiceimmersive.com [https://juiceimmersive.com] 👥 Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/juice-immersive [https://www.linkedin.com/company/juice-immersive] 🎥 YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@juiceimmersive3592 [https://www.youtube.com/@juiceimmersive3592] 🐦 X - https://twitter.com/juiceimmersive [https://twitter.com/juiceimmersive] 📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/juiceimmersive [https://www.instagram.com/juiceimmersive] CREDITS Host: Owen Cotterell - https://www.linkedin.com/in/owencotterell [https://www.linkedin.com/in/owencotterell] Producer: Jon Bradley - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonpaulbradley [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonpaulbradley] Editor: Dexter Gorst Music: Dom Champion - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominic-champion-865750b9 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominic-champion-865750b9] CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Digital Humans and AI Integration 03:06 The Current State of Digital Humans 06:06 Barriers to Adoption of Digital Humans 08:23 Comparing Digital Humans to Chatbots 10:11 Designing Digital Humans 14:00 Applications of Digital Humans 16:24 Digital Humans in Customer Service 17:24 The Intersection of Digital Humans and XR 18:34 Digital Humans in Training and Education 19:57 Empowerment Through Digital Humans 21:58 Digital Humans in Healthcare and Social Care 24:10 Personal Reflections on Digital Humans 26:41 Real-Time Insights and Data Utilization 28:10 The Importance of Digital Human Technology 31:01 The Two-Tier Society of AI Adoption 35:23 Understanding the 'Why' Behind Technology Adoption 40:38 Enhancing Customer Engagement Through Technology 42:03 Addressing the Fear of AI and Promoting Awareness 45:35 Innovations and Future Directions for Sum Vivas KEYWORDS digital humans, AI integration, extended reality, customerengagement, technology adoption, neurodiversity, mental health, business innovation, design, applications

XR Still Means Business | Squeezing the Juice with Jeremy Dalton

In this episode of Squeezing the Juice, Owen Cotterell sits down with XR industry veteran Jeremy Dalton to explore the real business case for immersive technology. From launching PwC’s first global XR team to advising Fortune 500s, Jeremy shares practical wisdom on what’s working, what’s hype, and what’s next. If you’ve ever wondered whether XR is more than just a tech gimmick... this is your Reality Check. TAKEAWAYS - Why “VR is dead” refuses to die and why that’s a good thing - The CECE framework for overcoming XR’s biggest challenges: Cost, Education, Content, Experience - Why 360 video does count as VR (when done right) - How businesses like Walmart & GSK are embedding XR into day-to-day operations - The ROI tipping point: When immersive training beats traditional learning - How XR and AI are converging to deliver smarter, scalable solutions - Jeremy’s top tips for companies taking their first steps into immersive tech CONNECT WITH JEREMY www.jeremydaltonxr.com Purchase Reality Check (2nd edition) from the publisher here: https://www.koganpage.com/digital-technology/reality-check-9781398618749 VR vs video conferencing study: https://www.pwc.ch/en/insights/data-analytics/virtual-reality-vs-video-conferencing.html VR for soft skills training study: https://www.pwc.co.uk/services/technology/immersive-technologies/study-into-vr-training-effectiveness.html 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/juiceimmersive CREDITS Host: Owen Cotterell - https://www.linkedin.com/in/owencotterell Producer: Jon Bradley - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonpaulbradley Editor: Dexter Gorst Music: Dom Champion - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominic-champion-865750b9 CHAPTERS 00:00 Jeremy's Journey 04:51 The Evolution of XR Technology 09:49 Success Stories in XR Adoption 13:49 Why XR Means Business 15:36 Common Misconceptions about XR 25:54 Impactful Studies and Corporate Use Cases 30:47 The Future of XR and AI Convergence 42:31 Top Tips for XR Adoption

What 10 Years in XR Taught Us | Squeezing the Juice with Virtual Umbrella

In this episode of Squeezing the Juice, Owen speaks with Samantha Kingston and Albert Millis from Virtual Umbrella to reflect on a decade in the XR industry. From lugging 20kg flight cases to facilitating enterprise-scale VR deployments, they unpack how far the sector has come and what still needs fixing. Expect honest insights on emotional storytelling, onboarding that actually works, and why VR has to earn its place now that the novelty has worn off.Takeaways * VR headsets are now considered mainstream consumer goods. * The industry has evolved from evangelizing VR to implementing it strategically. * Safe onboarding is crucial for a positive VR experience. * Emotional impact is a significant aspect of VR experiences. * Personal stories can enhance the understanding of VR's power. * Organizations should explore VR to find the right fit for their needs. * Flexibility and adaptability are key in VR deployment. * Understanding the technology is essential for successful implementation. * VR can be a powerful tool for empathy and understanding. * Celebrating milestones in the industry is important for motivation. CONNECT WITH VIRTUAL UMBRELLAhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/albertmillis/https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-kingston-a4811686/https://www.linkedin.com/company/virtualumbrella/https://www.virtualumbrella.co.uk/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/jonpaulbradleyMusic: Dom Champion - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominic-champion-865750b9CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction00:23 The Mainstreaming of VR03:38 Celebrating a Decade of Virtual Umbrella06:26 Evolution of VR Challenges09:19 Onboarding and User Experience in VR18:22 The Emotive Power of VR25:27 Personal Stories and Empathy in VR30:21 Exploring Grief Through Virtual Reality33:52 Creating Safe Spaces for Emotional Expression34:37 The Cathartic Journey of Sharing Personal Stories37:31 Overcoming Barriers to VR Adoption50:23 Practical Tips for Embracing VR Technology53:18 Future Visions for VR and Social Impact

From Training Challenges to XR Solutions: Adopting Tech That Works For Learners and Delivers ROI

In this inaugural live stream episode of Squeezing the Juice, Owen Cotterell and Ian Ravenscroft discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by XR (extended reality) technology in training environments. They explore the benefits of immersive learning, the evolving landscape of training methodologies, and the importance of measuring ROI. Special guest Helen Welsh shares her journey in implementing VR training in the NHS, highlighting the impact on learner engagement and organisational change.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Squeezing the Juice01:21 Understanding XR and Its Applications04:40 Challenges in Training and the Role of XR07:31 Benefits of XR in Training10:33 Client Perspectives on XR Adoption13:28 The Current Attitude Towards XR in Training14:21 Introducing Helen Welsh and Her Journey18:38 The NHS Experience with XR Training21:33 Defining Need vs. Want in XR Training25:36 Measuring Impact and Effectiveness of XR Training26:35 Understanding VR Training Needs28:42 Impact of VR Training on Learners31:28 Creating Safe Spaces for Conversations33:29 The Power of Immersive Experiences34:28 Real World Content in VR Training37:58 Interactivity in 360 Video Training40:01 Exploring Free Roam XR Experiences42:19 Measuring ROI in VR Training45:03 Engagement vs. Traditional Training Methods49:00 Building Sustainable Training Programs52:35 Juice Immersive ShowreelCONNECT 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/jonpaulbradley

Why XR Solutions Should Be Lead By Strategy, Not Tech | Squeezing the Juice with Anna Burke

Is VR really the best choice for your business? In this episode of Squeezing the Juice, we sit down with Anna Burke, Director of Animated Technologies, to talk about how businesses should approach immersive projects with strategy first, tech second. Anna shares real-world insights on: - Why a VR experience isn’t always the best medium - How to choose between VR, AR, or animation based on your audience - The biggest mistakes companies make when adopting immersive tech - How a Welsh-language VR app for kids turned into a game-changer CONNECT WITH ANNA https://www.animatedtechnologies.co.uk/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/annaburke82/ 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/juiceimmersive CREDITS Host: Owen Cotterell - https://www.linkedin.com/in/owencotterell Producer: Jon Bradley - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonpaulbradley Music: Dom Champion - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominic-champion-865750b9