Sentient, a decentralized AI company, has recently unveiled Dobby Plus, an open-source chatbot now accessible on X and Hugging Face. This groundbreaking model sets itself apart from proprietary AI systems offered by tech giants like OpenAI and Anthropic.
Dobby Plus, as described by Sentient, is developed on a decentralized AI framework influenced by feedback from over two million users. Rather than being controlled by corporate directives, this chatbot evolves through continuous community input, refining its personality, tone, and decision-making to mirror shared values. This shift from proprietary control to collective ownership is a defining feature of Dobby Plus.
The design of Dobby Plus emphasizes a harmonious blend of factual accuracy and emotional intelligence. Sentient credits this to its unique “data overloading” training approach, which bolsters technical skills such as mathematics and coding with soft skills like empathy and conversational finesse. This method enhances the model’s tone and user engagement while upholding performance and precision.
According to Sentient, their model currently surpasses Claude, GPT-4o, and DeepSeek R1 in personality, engagement, and creativity metrics. Additionally, Dobby’s open-source framework enables independent audits for potential risks like memory manipulation and prompt injection, addressing concerns within the AI community regarding safety protocols.
The launch of Dobby Plus follows Sentient’s introduction of its 70B model in February, which garnered over 660,000 users. Each user received a cryptographically fingerprinted copy of the model, establishing a novel approach to open ownership that extends beyond traditional open-source accessibility. Sentient views this as a prime example of how community-driven models can be monetized equitably and transparently.
Himanshu Tyagi, co-founder of Sentient, emphasized the company’s mission, stating, “We don’t believe AI models should solely benefit the owners of the GPU cluster. We are constructing an AI system open to scrutiny, shaped by its users, and shared with those who contribute to its value.”
Looking forward, Sentient aims to develop a protocol for collectively governed AI systems, enabling users to become stakeholders with voting rights and profit-sharing privileges. This innovative approach to AI ownership and governance showcases Sentient’s commitment to fostering a more inclusive and transparent AI ecosystem.