Emilia AI: ITS Students’ Innovation to Support Mental Health

From Class Project to Real Innovation

Who would have thought that a simple class project could turn into a meaningful innovation for everyday life? Five students from Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) have successfully developed Emilia AI, an artificial intelligence–based application designed to support mental health.

This app introduces a virtual character that interacts with users, listens to their stories, and provides simple psychological suggestions—acting like a supportive companion in times of need.

Inspired by Anime and Games

The name Emilia AI was inspired by the character Emilia from the anime Re:Zero. Its visual design also takes cues from Robin and Firefly, two characters from the popular game Honkai: Star Rail. This creative choice makes Emilia AI feel more relatable to younger audiences, especially gamers and fans of Japanese pop culture.

By blending elements of anime and gaming, Emilia AI not only functions as a mental health support tool but also creates a more engaging and personal virtual companion experience.

Key Functions of Emilia AI

As a mental health app, Emilia AI offers several core features, including:

• Summarizing the user’s problems and concerns.

• Reading and storing conversation history for better context.

• Providing simple, tailored psychological suggestions.

• Redirecting users to professional psychologists if more serious symptoms are detected.

Through this combination of technology and psychology, Emilia AI serves as a form of first aid for mental health, particularly among young people facing academic and social pressures.

Bridging Technology and Psychology

What makes Emilia AI stand out is its ability to connect emotional needs with access to professional help. Instead of being just another chatbot, it has the potential to become a vital bridge between users and mental health services.

Hope for the Younger Generation

The creation of Emilia AI shows that Indonesian students are capable of producing innovations with real social impact. Beyond entertainment and productivity, AI can also play a role in mental health awareness and support.

For the younger generation, Emilia AI is a reminder that seeking help is never a weakness. This innovation reflects a brighter future where technology can stand alongside psychology to provide care, empathy, and encouragement.