Gartner predicted that with the advancement of emotional AI systems, personal devices would be able to better understand human emotions by 2022. Artificial intelligence is currently changing the way humans and technology interact, creating various forms of disruptive growth drivers.

“Emotion AI Systems and Affective Computing enable personal devices to identify, analyze, process, and respond to emotions and moods so that they can provide context-appropriate, personalized experiences,” said Roberta Cozza, a principal research analyst at Gartner. “To stay in the market, companies will need to integrate AI technology to suit every aspect of their devices.”

The recent craze for emotional AI systems is driven by the proliferation of virtual personal assistants (VPAs) and conversational AI technology. Artificial intelligence technology provides richer customer experiences, including educational software, video games, diagnostic software, exercise and health functions, and autonomous vehicles.

Researcher Koza stated, “Prototypes or commercial products of emotional AI systems already exist,” adding, “These can enhance the user experience to an astonishing degree by analyzing various data, such as users’ facial expressions, intonation, and behavioral patterns, and adding emotional context.”

He added, “It also collects, analyzes, and processes user emotional data by fulfilling and responding to user requirements through wearables, connected vehicles, computer vision, audio, and sensors, going beyond smartphones and connected home devices.”

According to Gartner, personal devices are projected to see that by 2021, 10% of wearable device users will experience lifestyle changes and their lifespan will be extended by an average of six months; by 2020, 60% of personal technology device manufacturers will utilize third-party AI cloud services to enhance product features and services; and by 2022, security technologies combined with machine learning, biometrics, and user behavior will reduce the share of password-based authentication in total digital authentication to less than 10%.