An Irvine-based startup is using AI to develop a “digital butler.”
Irvinei, which is named after its founder’s home city in Irvine, next month will launch a Kickstarter campaign to raise $1 million.
The campaign features an early bird deal for Irvinei’s Doorbell, which uses AI-powered language model ChatGPT.
The smart home and security system offers detection features, including alerts for emergencies, weapons, unwelcome canine waste and runaway children.
The system will also allow homeowners to control their appliances such as lights, thermostats and security systems, with the sound of their voice.
“We want to offer a J.A.R.V.I.S. from ‘Iron Man’ for the home,” founder and CEO Khurram Hussain told the Business Journal, referring to the AI assistant in the Marvel films.
Bankrupt Incubator
Hussain turned to crowdfunding after the business accelerator his startup joined went bankrupt.
The incubator, Newchip, overcharged for its services and failed to deliver on its promises to startups, according to disgruntled former employees interviewed by TechCrunch.
Hussain remains open to joining other incubators, though the current priority for Irvinei is the launch of its smart home and security system, which will hit the market this fall.
Irvinei isn’t Hussain’s first venture; he founded Mojo Solutions & Services, a Santa Ana-based provider of IT, staffing and consulting services, about a decade ago.
Hussain also held program and project management roles at T-Mobile, AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) and Verizon.
Target Market
The startup’s homage to Irvine goes beyond Hussain’s love of the city.
Irvine, according to the CEO, offers ideal neighborhoods for the startup’s smart system because the city not only has residents who can afford it, but also families who are concerned with safety.
Early bird Irvinei customers will be able to purchase the system for $250 next month on its Kickstarter campaign.
By contrast, one of the startup’s similarly priced competitors, the Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2, offers 3D motion detection and built-in Alexa greetings that answer the door for homeowners.
Social Media Integration
On top of its other detection capabilities, the Irvinei Doorbell employs facial recognition technology.
The system can be integrated with the homeowner’s social media accounts to detect the faces of family and friends. Users can also upload photos of unwanted guests.
All visits are logged on Irvinei’s app. Additionally, if a neighborhood has multiple Irvinei Doorbells, users can view the area’s activity through the app, the company says on its site.
