Tech Life Engaging chatbots
Feb 17, 2026
Shona McCallum, a health-tech reporter, covers a UK trial of an at-home vagus-nerve stimulator helping stroke survivors regain arm and hand movement. Liv McMahon, a tech reporter, explores how people form emotional bonds with chatbots and reactions to AI model changes. Brian Catanzaro, NVIDIA VP of applied deep learning, discusses audio-to-audio conversational AI, natural interruptions, and real-world applications in education and industry.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Real-Time Audio-To-Audio Conversation
- PersonaPlex moves directly from audio to audio to make conversations fluid and real-time.
- Brian Catanzaro says this lets AI respond with human-like timing and nonverbal cues.
Bank Call Demo Shows Natural Interruptions
- In a demo, an AI handled a bank call and interrupted naturally like a human.
- The exchange showed tighter human–computer interplay and fewer robotic pauses.
Nonverbal Cues Make AI Conversational
- Nonverbal signals like nods and backchannels make AI feel like a conversational partner.
- Catanzaro argues these cues are essential so conversations don't feel one-sided.