Naver Corp can be defined as the South Korean equivalent of Google: founded in 1999, it runs the country’s most used search engine, Naver. Moreover, in recent years the business has invested into research and development around AI, robotics and mobility. Clova Lamp is one of the results of Naver’s technology.
Using computer vision and artificial intelligence technology, Clova is able to convert the text and images from a book into speech, while an integrated virtual assistant can explain the meaning of words and answer kids’ questions to help them learn. One of the aim of the lamp is to replace smartphones – used when parents are unable to play with their children – by providing a method for independent entertainment.
The product takes the form of a classic desk lamp, rendered in matte white, shock-resistant plastic, with a hemispherical head that is angled down towards the desk. This holds a ring-shaped LED light with a small camera at its centre, which uses image recognition technology to decode illustrations and identifies written words using Optical Character Recognition (OCR). After being analysed by the system’s cloud-based AI, the input from the camera is then converted into speech.
A list of completed books is stored by the device, rewarding kids with badges for different milestones while offering parents insight into their reading patterns and helping them to choose the right literature for their children.
In its function as a light, the device is able to sense the environmental factors that can influence the reading experience and provide a responsive light that is easy on the eyes.