UG Labs Secures $7 Million to Enhance Children's Gaming with Conversational AI
UG Labs, based in Tel Aviv, Israel, has successfully raised $7 million in funding, led by Amiti Venture and MoreVC, with participation from Mediatek and private investors. This investment aims to integrate conversational AI and voice interactivity into children's games.
UG Labs is pioneering a new era in game design by utilizing proprietary algorithms and data to incorporate voice interactivity. Their innovative technology, embedded within the game engine, facilitates open-ended conversations that dynamically influence gameplay, allowing for unscripted exploration with non-player characters (NPCs). The focus on younger users creates a unique and immersive gaming experience for children and their families.
At the heart of UG Labs' technology are Automated Speech Recognition (ASR) and Large Language Models (LLMs). "Our speech recognition solution learns and adapts over time, enhancing its understanding of individual speech patterns. We believe this is particularly impactful in conversations with children," stated CEO Ariel Leventhal in an interview with GamesBeat. Recognizing the speech developmental nuances in young children, UG Labs aims to create transformative and inclusive gaming experiences.
The company's technology absorbs language barriers, recognizing inappropriate language and contextualizing conversations to ensure "narrative safety."
Company Origins and Vision
Founded in 2022 by CEO Ariel Leventhal and CTO Shachar Mendelowitz, UG Labs seeks to introduce age-appropriate dialogue and personalities into children's gaming. Leventhal's background includes roles at K Health and Fraud Sciences, while Mendelowitz boasts experience at Healthy.io and TowerSec. In early 2023, the team identified a growing trend in conversational AI and speech recognition technologies and decided to harness their potential for children's games.
Elinor Schops joined UG Labs to spearhead business development, recognizing the promising implications of integrating their technology into video games. "Seeing kids become instantly engaged and the longer retention rates underscores the endless possibilities for unique gameplay experiences," she said.
Now with a team of 20, UG Labs aims to refine how AI interacts with younger audiences.
The Technology Behind UG Labs
UG Labs is revolutionizing children's gaming by developing ASR and LLM specifically designed for kids. These models are trained on data collected by UG, enabling the engine to comprehend diverse speech patterns and literacy levels. The technology scaffolds conversations, assisting users during moments of hesitation, thus fostering originality in dialogue that reflects past interactions.
The implementation of voice interaction enhances user engagement, fostering distinctive gaming sessions while adapting to respective vocabulary and abilities. This technology is also extendable to connected toys, enriching play experiences with lively interaction.
Leventhal explains, "Our goal evolved from creating a voice recognition solution for children to establishing a comprehensive framework for interactive gameplay that resonates with their unique ways of expressing themselves."
Prioritizing Safety in Game Conversations
One significant challenge in establishing voice interactivity is ensuring high-quality conversations. UG Labs tackles this by synthesizing advanced technology with safety measures, adhering to guidelines established by game publishers. This equilibrium promotes genuine exchanges that respect publisher-defined boundaries.
UG's ASR technology not only comprehends children's dialogues but also aids their progression through game levels, maintaining conversational continuity and responding authentically to previous inputs. This shift towards voice-centric gameplay aims to create a new genre of mobile games focused on empowering younger users in an engaging manner.
Ongoing Iterations and User Feedback
UG Labs launched Kids Labs in the U.S. in 2022 to test voice-driven conversational frameworks. Insights from this initiative are instrumental in refining UG's ASR models, with real-user interactions being vital for ongoing enhancements.
Leventhal remarks, "We prioritize understanding children's conversational dynamics and adapting our models accordingly. This approach enables us to develop content that feels personalized and relevant to young users."
UG Labs collaborates with kidSAFE to ensure compliance with COPPA, U.S. regulations that protect children's online interactions.
Conclusion
UG Labs not only aims to redefine the realm of children’s gaming through adventurous and responsive dialogue but also ensures a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment for young players. As the intersection of AI technology and interactive play continues to evolve, UG Labs stands at the forefront, ready to create memorable gaming experiences for future generations.
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