In 2026, UNSW Chinese students started working with our Psychosocial AI team (fEEL Lab) to create a prototype AI companion for student wellbeing.

Two companions are currently in testing Tom and Mia. They are being trained to offer psychosocial support as well as everyday companionship in order to reduce the incidence and risk of loneliness. Tom and Mia speak both Mandarin and English.

陪伴 (péi bàn)  in Mandarin Chinese means to accompany, to keep someone company, or to stay with someone.