This AI reads children's emotions as they learn

A Hong Kong company has developed facial expression-reading AI that monitors students' emotions as they study. With many children currently learning from home, they say the technology could make the virtual classroom even better than the real thing.

The software, 4 Little Trees, was created by Hong Kong-based startup Find Solution AI. While the use of emotion recognition AI in schools and other settings has caused concern, founder Viola Lam says it can make the virtual classroom as good as — or better than — the real thing. Students work on tests and homework on the platform as part of the school curriculum. While they study, the AI measures muscle points on their faces via the camera on their computer or tablet, and identifies emotions including happiness, sadness, anger, surprise and fear.