AI facial recognition software automatically detects and classifies pain

Measuring pain in clinical settings is challenging, especially for patients who cannot self-report. Cori Espelien, a postdoctoral researcher at UVA’s Department of Public Health Sciences, is developing AI facial recognition software that automatically detects and classifies pain.

This video is part of the 2026 Annual Research Report, produced by the Office of the Vice President of Research. Find more stories from this report here: https://news.research.virginia.edu