Petlibro, a pet tech startup known for its automatic feeders and filtered water fountains, has launched its latest product, the AI-powered Scout Smart Camera.
Scouts are similar to other pet cameras on the market. It monitors your pets in real time and has two-way audio so you can communicate with them if they’re getting a prank. The companion mobile app allows users to control the movement of the camera, but the camera is designed to detect and automatically follow pets when they move. Also, if you can’t find it, you can take care to get your attention.
However, what sets this device apart is the AI features.
Scout uses pet recognition technology to track a variety of activities, such as when your pet eats (this is useful when chewing things that you shouldn’t chew), drinking water, using a trash can, or simply walking in front of the screen. It also captures surprise selfies when pets are detected, providing daily highlights, and stores clips in the cloud for up to 30 days.
Additionally, scouts recognize multiple pets and allow them to track their activities individually. Users can currently set up individual profiles for two pets in the app.
“Early, our models struggled to communicate similarly-looking pets that are known to be needed in many multi-pet pet homes. Traditional facial recognition failed when pets quickly moved or shared features.
The outstanding feature I’ve appreciated as a pet owner is that the device doesn’t just notify you of your pet’s activities. It also provides a cute description. One of my favorites during the test was, “Zelda is quietly walking through the shiny floor, and her nose is heading forward as she explores her surroundings with gentle curiosity.” How adorable is it?
Another way that Petribro’s scout cameras stand out is that you can share your device with up to five other family members and friends.
If you’re interested in trying out the device, the price is $100. There are multiple subscription plans. However, you can choose between the standard tier for $12 per month or the price for $17 per month to access AI features.
Another pet camera company, Furbo, offers similar devices, including an AI “nanny” assistant that costs $7 per month. The camera itself costs $210.
Petlibro’s scout cameras are priced lower than Furbo, but they currently lack the important features found in Furbo’s offering. It is the ability to detect and warn owners not to bar. Petlibro is actively adding this, and it could broaden its appeal as Furbo is primarily sold to dog owners.
Furthermore, while the scout devices do not have food dispensers, Petlibro plans to integrate AI capabilities with selected feeders and fountains, aiming to distinguish their growing product line from their competitors.
It should be noted that the company’s privacy policy indicates that the system collects image and video data captured by the camera for use in improving devices that include AI features. Other smart cameras, such as Google Nest and Amazon Ring, also said they will collect user data and improve their services in their privacy policy. Scout does not use audio for AI training or processing.
Petlibro explained that data collection is for modifying individual cameras for users. Data is processed in accordance with privacy laws.
“Essentially, users are training their cameras with their pets, so the more they use it, the better they get. For example, if you told the scouts on the app, I tagged this puppy as Max, which really improves future accuracy.
This story has been updated to include additional information about data collection.
