Hong Kong-based startup Viv Limited was founded by Kyo Ueda in 2011 and has been exploring the potential for non-verbal analysis through a range of services. BabyLook is the latest of these and aims to bridge the communication gap between parents and babies.

BabyLook’s technology analyses young children’s facial patterns, voice or cry pitch and body conditions, and then runs them through its AI and deep learning system to work out their emotions and what they are thinking. The project is being run in partnership with R&D teams from Kobe University and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. The app will contain both free and paid elements including linking to wearables.

Product benefits are expected to include a 24-hour monitor, a feeding/changing record, and content around raising infants and baby wellbeing. The app launched a Kickstarter campaign in May 2017, with the beta version planned for release in December 2017.