Meta files patent for an AI device that monitors wearer's sighs, laughter, and medication use

Meta Files Patent for Emotion-Tracking Wearable Device

Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta Inc. has recently submitted a patent for a novel AI-powered wearable device designed to monitor users’ emotional states, capturing everything from sighs and laughter to the timing of medication intake.

The patent application, which emerged on July 2, outlines a “device” aimed at “emotional state analysis and real-time fitness coaching.” According to Meta, the device utilizes user emotions, such as happiness or sadness, to tailor workout routines.

“The AI assistant may listen to the user’s voice at specific intervals to analyze various forms of communication, like sighs, laughter, and tone,” the application states. This AI could leverage such inputs to assess the user’s emotional health or draw other insights.

The application emphasizes that AI software linked to these wearables may provide “an overview of emotional trends based on various inputs (e.g., a happier emotional state associated with a particular time of day or medication schedule).”

In a particular scenario outlined in the patent, the wearable device could identify when a user shares a laugh with a friend during dinner at 5:15 p.m. and record that moment with AI technology.

Mehta suggests that AI-driven fitness devices could surpass traditional personal trainers by offering real-time feedback on exercise form and prompting workouts when the wearer is in the right emotional frame of mind.

As a Meta spokesperson mentioned, while the company regularly files patents for concepts that may not be developed, obtaining a patent does not ensure that the technology will be pursued.

The filing sparked immediate criticism from online safety advocates like Josh Golin, executive director of Fairplay. He stated, “This creepy patent seems to be part of Meta’s overarching plan to monitor every facet of our lives to capitalize on advertising that preys on users’ emotional vulnerabilities.”

Golin further expressed concern, highlighting the dangers posed to impressionable youth, and underscored the urgent need for privacy laws that restrict data collection and prohibit targeted advertising to minors.

Critics have consistently accused Zuckerberg of prioritizing profits over user privacy and safety, a sentiment that’s grown stronger as Meta intensifies its focus on “smart” technology.

Last month, the company faced backlash after Wired reported that it had covertly integrated facial recognition capabilities into its smart glasses, which could identify individuals nearby. Meta countered that this software had not yet been made available to consumers and dismissed critics’ claims as “clickbait.”