AI/ROBOTICS | NARRATIVE | SYSTEMS | UX/COPY
Autonomous Agents: Embodied and Virtual Characters
Moxie (Embodied, Inc.)
An AI companion robot utilizing the CASEL framework for Social-Emotional Learning (SEL). Character performance was a combination of scripted performance using a Unity-based markup tool and AI-generated emotional states and gestures. Content was developed using Chatscript, Python, Google Sheets, ChatGPT and LangFlow.
My work focused on the personality architecture, module design and safety logic required for neurodivergent children (ages 5-10). This involved engineering a consistent knowledge base for Moxie’s identity and history, while testing rigorous safety restrictions and therapeutic content modules to ensure reliable, empathetic interaction.
Modular Missions
A series of seven interlinked modules designed to teach SEL concepts around 14 core themes, from Being King to Being a Good Sport. In this mission on Being Different, Moxie and the child must help one of Moxie’s robot friends choreograph a performance for a talent show. Modular Missions were a framework for generative AI versions of older, scripted scenarios.
Flow for “Modular Missions (Evaluated)”: An end-of-mission review of the content Moxie and the child experienced in the previous six missions and assessment of what they learned
Other Modules
“Create-a-Story” and “Jokes”
In this mission about Being Different, Moxie and the child collaborating on a story about teamwork and how one’s differences can help others.
Moxie tells jokes to the child, complete with laughter and rimshots. The child can also tell jokes which Moxie will responds to with curiosity, laughter and delight.
“Word Chain” and “Composing”
A creative activity based on word association. Moxie prompts the child with a word based on a theme (e.g., "Being Different" or "Being Kind") and the child responds with a word related to Moxie's word to create a word chain. After several rounds, Moxie ends the game with a poem incorporating their word chain.
Moxie creates a piece of music based on the child's selection of different instruments: strings, woodwinds, brass instruments and percussion.
“Ocean Explorer,” “Scavenger Hunt” and “Rock-Paper-Scissors”
An educational roleplaying activity where the child and Moxie pretend to be sea creatures exploring marine habitats and learning about the geology, flora and fauna of those locations — not to mention a healthy dose of adventure and mystery!
A game where Moxie asks the child to find a variety of common items around their home, either by name (“a book”) or by quality (“something blue”).
The classic children’s game.
Petz and Babyz (PF.Magic)
Virtual desktop characters based on real-life dogs, cats and human babies. The characters were “2.5D” animated models that could be designed and modified in a text document. I worked on animation, voice syncing, content design and QA. I also created a pivotal feature for Petz 3 and onward — living, customizable environments.
