AI Could Bridge the Emotional Gap Between Humans and Pets, Says Startup Mentor
Could a deeper understanding of our animal companions alleviate feelings of loneliness? A seasoned startup mentor believes a new wave of artificial intelligence may hold the key, offering a glimpse into the emotional lives of dogs and, potentially, strengthening the bonds between species.
A regular mentor with the German Accelerator program – which supports companies interested in the Korean market – the mentor participates in sessions twice a year, once in the first and second halves of the year. Since 2019, they’ve found the experience to be more about learning than leading. “I often find myself on the learning side,” they shared. “Observing how these teams approach problems and their relentless focus always leaves a small mark on my own life.”
The most recent team they encountered is developing an AI-powered system to analyze canine emotions. Initially, the mentor admitted to a sense of disbelief. “My first thought was, ‘Is this even possible?’” they recalled. “We live with creatures we can’t verbally communicate with for years, relying on guesswork to understand their feelings.”
As the team presented their work, a poignant scene from a popular drama featuring actor Son Seok-gu came to mind. The scene depicted animals who had passed away reappearing as humans to reunite with their owners. “It unexpectedly touched my heart,” the mentor said, recalling a colleague struggling with pet loss syndrome.
Despite suffering from allergies that prevent them from owning a pet, the mentor finds solace in watching videos of dogs and cats before bed. “It’s a small habit, but those few minutes gently organize my day,” they explained. “Perhaps it’s the comfort of having a presence, even a silent one.”
This realization shaped their perspective on the startup’s service. It wasn’t simply a technological advancement, but a tool to facilitate a more nuanced understanding between humans and animals. The mentor posited that understanding a pet’s emotions isn’t necessarily about control, but about minimizing regret.
When asked during the final mentoring session if they would recommend the team for selection, the answer was an emphatic “Yes.” The mentor believes that this effort to understand canine emotions will ultimately lead to a deeper understanding of human emotions as well.
“Connecting people, linking thoughts, and making life a little less lonely – these roles are becoming increasingly important,” they observed. “The feeling of being useful, of making a contribution, is a small but vital achievement for a freelancer to hold onto.”
Today, the mentor finds fulfillment in simply feeling useful.
Keep reading
