Intel Capital, the corporate venturing arm of semiconductor technology manufacturer Intel, has exited US-based facial expression recognition technology developer Emotient in an acquisition by computing company Apple, the Wall Street Journal has reported.
The amount paid by Apple was not disclosed. Founded in 2012, Emotient is developing technology that translates facial expressions into usable information.
Apple has not disclosed its plans for Emotient, but the technology could potentially be used in a range of fields from advertising to security and even healthcare, helping doctors gauge pain reactions of patients unable to otherwise express themselves.
Intel Capital participated in a $6m series A round in 2013 (but announced in March 2014) led by venture capital firm Handbag that lifted Emotient’s total funding to $8m.
– Image courtesy of Emotient