Smart Eye Buys Facial Expression Tech Firm Affectiva

Swedish eye tracking technology firm Smart Eye has acquired US-based facial expression technology firm Affectiva for $73.5m.

Founded in 2009 by Professor Rosalind Picard and research scientist Rana el Kaliouby, in collaboration with the Media Lab at MIT, Affectiva develops software that detects complex and nuanced human emotions and cognitive states from face and voice. Its products include the Q Sensor wearable biosensor and Affdex facial expression recognition tool, and its patented Emotion AI technology uses machine learning, deep learning, computer vision and speech science.

The firm joins Smart Eye, which has more than two decades of experience building AI-based eye tracking and delivering automotive-grade Driver Monitoring Systems (DMS). In recent years, Affectiva has broadened its technology to include in-cabin sensing, using machine learning and computer vision to understand what is happening inside a vehicle. Together, the firms say they will bring to market 'unparalleled, automotive-grade Interior Sensing AI, better and faster than the competition'. In addition, Affectiva brings revenues and profit from its Media Analytics business, which offers technology to analyze consumers' emotional reactions to brand content and experiences.

Commenting on the news, el Kaliouby said: 'This is a unique and exciting opportunity for us to join Smart Eye in bringing to market advanced AI with more comprehensive capabilities than either of us could provide alone. Not only are our technologies very complementary, so are our values, our teams, our culture, and perhaps most importantly, our vision for the future.'

Web sites: www.smarteye.se and www.affectiva.com .