CES 2025: When Machines Get in Touch with Their Feelings
Imagine this: You’re on a customer service call, and after being on hold for what feels like an eternity, you finally get through to an AI assistant. You’re frustrated, your voice is trembling, and you’re one deep sigh away from throwing your phone across the room. Suddenly, the AI pauses and says, “I sense you’re upset. Let me connect you to a human representative right away.” Sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie, right? Well, at CES 2025, startups like Affectiva are proving that Emotional AI is no longer just a futuristic concept—it’s here, and it’s making machines more emotionally intelligent than ever.
What Is Emotional AI?
Emotional AI, also known as affective computing, is a subset of artificial intelligence that enables machines to recognize, interpret, and respond to human emotions. It does this by analyzing data from facial expressions, voice tone, body language, and even physiological signals like heart rate. Think of it as giving your devices the ability to say, “I feel you, bro”
This technology is already being implemented across various industries, including healthcare, customer service, and automotive. For instance, in healthcare, Emotional AI can assess a patient’s emotional state during virtual consultations, helping doctors make more informed decisions. In the automotive industry, it’s being used for in-cabin sensing to improve safety and enhance the driving experience.