Petnow claims to be able to identify dogs and cats from their snouts
Imagine a world where you can easily identify a dog or cat just by scanning their snout. Petnow, a startup app developed by Jesse Joonho Lim and Ken Daehyun Pak, claims to make this a reality. With $5.25 million in funding and support from Daedeok Venture Partners and DigiCap, Petnow uses AI and camera-based scans to create a unique biometric profile of a pet, distinguishing them with accuracy. While traditional pet ID tools like tags and microchips have their limitations, Petnow aims to provide a reliable alternative for pet identification, registration, and finding missing pets. However, the real question is, can Petnow’s algorithms truly deliver on their claim of 99% accuracy? As the market potential for pet identification grows, the stakes are high for this promising technology.
This image is property of techcrunch.com.
Petnow claims to be able to identify dogs and cats from their snouts
Standard pet ID tools are often imperfect, with tags becoming easily detached and microchipping having its limitations. This has led to challenges in identifying and tracking pets, causing frustration for both owners and pet care providers. However, a new app called Petnow claims to have a solution. By scanning a pet’s face, Petnow utilizes AI and image recognition technology to identify dogs and cats based on their unique facial features. This innovative approach has the potential to revolutionize the way we identify and track pets, offering a more reliable and accurate method.
The inspiration behind Petnow
The founders of Petnow, Jesse Joonho Lim and Ken Daehyun Pak, were inspired to develop the app after recognizing the flaws in traditional pet ID tools. Lim, who co-led a semiconductor startup called Chips&Media, and Pak, an AI video processing researcher, saw an opportunity to leverage technology to improve pet identification. With their expertise in their respective fields, they founded Petnow in 2018 with the goal of revolutionizing the pet identification market and creating a comprehensive platform for pet owners.
This image is property of techcrunch.com.
How Petnow works
Petnow works by using a camera-based scan of a pet’s face. Through the app, users can take a photo of their pet, and Petnow’s AI algorithms analyze the image to identify unique facial features. This process is automated and quick, allowing for efficient identification without the need for additional hardware or invasive procedures. The app also includes an automatic detection and cropping feature, ensuring that the focus remains solely on the pet’s face.
Unique identification methods for dogs and cats
Petnow utilizes different identification methods for dogs and cats. For dogs, the app records a “nose print,” which is said to be as unique as a human fingerprint. The nose print is reliable and remains unchanged over time, making it an accurate method of distinguishing between different dogs. On the other hand, for cats, Petnow looks at the “facial contour.” Cats’ grooming habits and facial structure make their facial contour distinctive, allowing for accurate identification. While the idea of a cat’s facial contour may sound dubious, Petnow’s algorithms have proven to be effective in differentiating between cats.
This image is property of techcrunch.com.
Potential uses of Petnow
Petnow has a wide range of potential uses in the pet industry. One of the key benefits is the ability to register pets without visiting a vet. This simplifies the registration process and eliminates the need for physical documentation. Additionally, Petnow can be used to find missing pets. By uploading a photo of a lost pet into the app, users can quickly identify their pet and increase the chances of a successful reunion. Furthermore, Petnow can create “pet IDs” that can be used to check insurance status. This streamlines the process of verifying pet insurance and ensures that pets receive the necessary care and coverage.
Accuracy of Petnow’s algorithms
Petnow claims that its algorithms are 99% accurate at identifying individual cats and dogs. This high level of accuracy is crucial for the effectiveness of the app. However, it is important to acknowledge the potential biases and challenges associated with facial recognition technology. Even the best image-analyzing AI can be prone to biases, especially when trained on datasets that lack diversity. Petnow acknowledges these challenges and emphasizes the continual growth of its training database to improve accuracy and minimize biases.
This image is property of techcrunch.com.
Challenges with facial recognition technology
Facial recognition technology faces inherent challenges, including biases in algorithms. Studies have shown that facial recognition algorithms often lack diverse datasets, leading to biases in identifying individuals accurately. This issue extends to pet identification, as even experts struggle to distinguish between breeds. The difficulty in breed identification raises questions about the accuracy of Petnow’s algorithms. However, Petnow is continually working to optimize its AI algorithms and address the challenges associated with facial recognition technology.
Continual growth of Petnow’s training database
To improve the accuracy of its algorithms, Petnow focuses on continuously growing its training database. This database includes a wide range of pet photos and is used to optimize AI algorithms for analyzing pet images. This approach ensures that pet photos are taken with the best possible brightness and sharpness, leading to more accurate results. Petnow also acknowledges the importance of data privacy and states that it does not provide user or pet information to third parties without consent.
This image is property of isp.page.
Importance of accurate pet identification
Accurate pet identification is crucial for various reasons. It helps reunite lost pets with their owners, ensures correct veterinary care, and enables efficient processing of insurance claims. Pet identification also plays a significant role in responsible pet ownership and preventing pet theft. By providing a reliable and accurate method of identification, Petnow aims to improve the overall well-being and safety of pets.
Petnow’s current status and future plans
Petnow is currently gaining traction in the pet industry, with around 70,000 users and partnerships with five enterprise and public sector customers. The company is pre-revenue but has ambitious plans for growth. It anticipates securing contracts with pet insurers and conducting pilots in various regions to expand its reach. Petnow recognizes the potential of the pet identification market and aims to establish itself as a fundamental product in the industry.
In conclusion, Petnow’s innovative approach to pet identification shows promise in addressing the flaws of standard pet ID tools. By leveraging AI and image recognition technology, Petnow offers a reliable and accurate method of identifying dogs and cats based on their unique facial features. While there are challenges to overcome, the continual growth of Petnow’s training database and optimization of its algorithms position the app for success. With the potential to simplify pet registration, assist in finding missing pets, and provide important pet insurance information, Petnow has the opportunity to make a significant impact in the pet industry.
