Smart Cat Flap Harnesses AI to Prevent Your Furry Friend's Every Owner's Nightmare

Innovative Flappie Cat Door: AI-Powered Solution to Keep Unwanted Prey Out"
In a breakthrough for pet owners, a cutting-edge AI-powered cat door named Flappie has emerged, designed to automatically detect and prevent cats from bringing prey into the house. This ingenious tech device, resembling a small cat entrance that can be installed in any door, utilizes advanced AI and night-vision cameras to enhance pet owners' control over their furry friends.

Flappie operates by remaining locked until motion sensors sense a cat's presence, at which point it scans the feline's microchip to ensure it belongs to the correct household. An infrared camera, strategically placed above the opening, then scans the cat's face and, through AI analysis, determines if it is carrying anything. If the cat attempts to bring in a catch, such as a bird or mouse, Flappie automatically closes its doors, thwarting the pet's entrance. The hatch unlocks when the cat drops its catch.

Developed by a startup called Flappie, the device features a high-definition night vision camera employing a custom AI algorithm akin to facial recognition technology. Developers claim an impressive 90% accuracy rate, with expectations of further improvement through machine learning as the AI becomes accustomed to individual cats.

Owners can stay informed by setting up an app to receive alerts and live-stream their cat's activities through their phones. Flappie made its debut at the Consumer Electronics Show 2024 in Las Vegas this week and is set to hit the market in Spring at a price of £310.

The brainchild of Denis and Oliver Widler from Switzerland, the product stemmed from their desire to assist their mother, frustrated by her cat's habit of bringing in unwanted prey. The company is actively working on enhancing the AI to recognize the specific items cats might be carrying.

In related news, AI researchers have developed an algorithm predicting a person's death with 78% accuracy, and concerns have been raised about the impact of AI girlfriends on men, blurring the lines between virtual and real companionship.