University of Ottawa Develops AI Therapist That Detects Distress Through Wearable Devices
Researchers at the University of Ottawa have developed an AI assistant named UbiMyTherapist, designed to detect emotional distress through signals from wearable devices such as smartwatches and earbuds. Unlike traditional mental health chatbots that require users to initiate contact, UbiMyTherapist proactively monitors physiological signals, including heart rate variability and speech tone, to assess emotional states and provide timely support. The system creates a 'digital twin' that combines a user's medical and psychological history with real-time emotional data for personalized responses. Evaluated in a study involving 24 participants, the assistant demonstrated strong empathy and personalization compared to standard large language model setups. The tool aims to extend mental health support to individuals facing barriers to traditional therapy, while still being a research project rather than a consumer app.