What the BReLL Means for the Future of Behavior Change AI

Recently, we were excited to announce the formation of Lirio’s Behavioral Reinforcement Learning Lab (BReLL), and the addition of Dr. John Seely Brown (JSB) as the Lab’s scientific advisor. We view the BReLL as our opportunity to scale the valuable research and development at Lirio and to make the most of the unique data we produce.

We are honored and humbled to have JSB contribute his expertise to our cause. His distinct interdisciplinary background lines up perfectly with the advisor role. He will help us improve and derive value as we combine the scientific disciplines of artificial intelligence and behavioral science to generate meaningful change in healthcare by addressing societal factors that influence outcomes.

The Lab’s formation underscores the value and uniqueness of the data Lirio generates. Since there is no universal learner, the potential of machine learning (ML) solutions depends on combining the right mathematical form with the right data. Moreover, the more your mathematical form aligns with the problem you want to solve, the more likely you are to be successful. One area where this has been the case is speech and image recognition.

Integrating domain expertise (behavioral science, in Lirio’s case) in a more nascent application of ML requires experienced scientists and engineers who understand ML algorithms at their core. Lirio has an opportunity to make important advances in behavior change AI based on the data we generate simply by using our solution in the real world.

Unless we are prepared to deploy sufficient brain power to exploit the data, we might be leaving countless insights and improvements on the table. In the near future, we’ll be strengthening our BReLL team with additional researchers and innovators at the forefront of behavior change AI. The combination of these new intellectual resources with our current team holds significant promise for the lab, and for the improvement of health outcomes across the country.

We’ve already started to realize the potential of the BReLL through our strategic partnership with Bon Secours Mercy Health (BSMH), announced last week. Lirio and BSMH will co-develop new behavior change programs that influence health decision-making for those at risk for chronic diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension. We’re excited to work with them to target at-risk populations proactively and preventatively. The lab will be used to help BSMH strengthen its digital engagement with community members and shift from disease management to disease prevention through data-driven, personalized outreach.