[NE Coffee Chat] Petpeotalk: "AI Video Analysis Now Looks After Your Pet's Health"

Interview with Kwon Runhwan, CEO of Petpeotalk

Analyzing Pet Behavior in Pet Cam Footage Using AI

There are many services that allow pet owners to monitor their animals using a "pet cam." Most of these involve installing an IP camera at home so users can watch live footage remotely or check recorded videos later. However, simply watching these videos often makes it difficult to know how a pet is actually doing or whether there are any issues. Petpeotalk is a startup that has enhanced technology to address this problem, enabling users to monitor their pets' health via pet cams. This is achieved by utilizing artificial intelligence (AI).

On March 26, Kwon Runhwan, CEO of Petpeotalk, stated, "We provide a service that uses AI to recognize pets' behaviors in video footage and even monitor their health." Petpeotalk's pet monitoring service, "DoggyBogi," analyzes pet behavior using an AI model. The AI distinguishes between pets and other objects, and recognizes 12 different types of behavior. It also analyzes sounds. For example, when a dog walks, barks, scratches its ears, sniffs, or spins in circles, the AI recognizes and analyzes these actions. By analyzing a pet's behavior through video, DoggyBogi detects early signs of disease and even suggests preventive training methods—features that set it apart from other services.

Ryunhwan Kwon, CEO of Petpeotalk

Kwon explained, "For example, by analyzing a dog's gait, we can detect early signs of patellar luxation—a condition common in small breeds—and offer preventive services." The company also offers monitoring and care services for separation anxiety. Kwon added, "Right after the owner leaves home, the system analyzes the pet's behavior and excitement level, then provides training methods to address separation anxiety," and noted, "Users can monitor progress to see if there is improvement." Petpeotalk developed its separation anxiety care solution in collaboration with Busan Gyeongsang University.

Thanks to these differentiated features, DoggyBogi has achieved a cumulative 150,000 downloads since its launch in October 2021. Currently, 15,000 people use the service each month, and there are about 2,500 paid subscribers. The company's growth has accelerated, with last year's revenue tripling compared to the previous year. Kwon explained, "As more user data accumulates, we've created a virtuous cycle that allows for even more precise analysis of pet behavior."

Petpeotalk's technology focuses primarily on dogs but also recognizes some cat behaviors. Building on this foundation, the company recently partnered with the Korea Racing Authority to expand its business into monitoring and analyzing racehorse health. The system analyzes CCTV footage from stables 24 hours a day to detect unusual behaviors related to pain or stress in horses in real time, providing immediate remote alerts to caretakers when abnormal signs are detected. Kwon stated, "By detecting even subtle early signs of problems, we help maintain optimal condition and prevent risks before they arise."

Petpeotalk's goal is to expand its services beyond patellar luxation and separation anxiety to manage a wider range of conditions, including skin diseases. To achieve this, veterinary expertise is also essential. Kwon said, "Early detection of conditions like renal failure or diabetes increases a pet's survival rate," and added, "We aim to advance our technology to identify early signs of disease and ultimately extend pets' lifespans."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.