Building emotionally intelligent video agents
We’re on a mission to bring EQ to AI
OUR STORY
At the heart of QARL™ is a shared vision to redefine the way humans and AI interact. It all began when Melanie Dirks, a renowned relationship expert, grew increasingly concerned about the impact of technology on our ability to form meaningful human connections. As AI became more pervasive, Melanie saw an opportunity—not to replace human relationships, but to enhance them.
Driven by this vision, she connected with Paul Kruszewski, a pioneer in digital human technology who has been building AI-first technology for over 25 years. Together, they envisioned a future where AI could do more than just pattern-match data —it could understand, mirror, and adapt to human emotions in a way that felt authentic.
This powerful combination of expertise led to the creation of QARL. Today, we’re on a mission to build AI solutions that are empathetic, friendly, and fun— building AI that feels less like a machine and more like a trusted companion.
Carl Rogers, 1902 - 1987
QARL is named in homage to the renowned psychologist Carl Rogers, who pioneered a patient-centered approach in therapy, one that emphasizes the importance of empathy and unconditional positive regard for patients. Our name pays homage to these values that guide and inspire our mission.