Leiria hosts testing for AI and augmented reality baby composer project

The ‘Bebés compositores’ (Baby Composers) project is undergoing testing in Leiria, Portugal, utilizing artificial intelligence and augmented reality. The initiative aims to develop technology that allows infants between zero and 36 months of age to participate as authors in musical works.

Part of the European ‘Amplify’ initiative, which focuses on the digital transformation of cultural and creative industries, the project involves a consortium of 14 partners from eight European countries. Following 18 months of research, the Leiria-based company Musicalmente will test a complete system. This process includes using sensors on infants to inform musical performances, where artists use virtual reality glasses to read notation.

Researcher Paulo Lameiro noted that while the concept of infants as composers was initially questioned, research results suggest that babies can actively participate in musical creation through their reactions to instruments, composers, or silence.