The Future of Artificial Intelligence in Monitoring Animal Identification, Health, and Behaviour

Abstract

With many advancements, technologies are now capable of recording non-human animals’ location, heart rate, and movement, often using a device that is physically attached to the monitored animals. However, to our knowledge, there is currently no technology that is able to do this unobtrusively and non-invasively. Here, we review the history of technology for use with animals, recent technological advancements, current limitations, and a brief introduction to our proposed novel software. Canadian tech mogul EAIGLE Inc. has developed an artificial intelligence (AI) software solution capable of determining where people and assets are within public places or attractions for operational intelligence, security, and health and safety applications. The solution also monitors individual temperatures to reduce the potential spread of COVID-19. This technology has been adapted for use at the Toronto Zoo, initiated with a focus on Sumatran orangutans (Pongo abelii) given the close physical similarity between orangutans and humans as great ape species. This technology will be capable of mass data collection, individual identification, pose estimation, behaviour monitoring and tracking orangutans’ locations, in real time on a 24/7 basis, benefitting both zookeepers and researchers looking to review this information.

"Artificial Intelligence in Veterinary Care: A Review of Applications for Animal Health

“…Artificial Intelligence can identify patterns and make predictions that assist veterinarians in diagnosing complex diseases. For instance, AI algorithms have proven successful in identifying respiratory conditions, skin disorders, left atrial enlargement on canine thoracic radiology [12], equine colic [13], and even behavioral issues in animals [14]. This level of accuracy empowers veterinarians to provide targeted treatments, reducing misdiagnosis and ensuring effective care for animals [11,13].…”

Human-animal interactions and machine-animal interactions in animals under human care: A summary of stakeholder and researcher perceptions and future directions

“…Within zoos there is a suite of ways which technology has been used, including to enhance the visitor experience, facilitating noninvasive measures of animal behaviour and creating more cognitively advanced environments for animals (Clay et al 2011). It is also extensively used in wildlife conservation (Pacheco 2018) and is being increasingly used to monitor animals, particularly in relation to the use of artificial intelligence to assess welfare (Congdon et al 2022). As discussed, it is important that technology enhances rather than prevents the strong positive bonds that are capable of forming between stockpeople and the animals they work with.…”

Advancements in artificial intelligence technology for improving animal welfare: Current applications and research progress

“…Traditional methods of visual recognition have limitations, but AI-powered solutions enhance accuracy and efficiency in identifying individual animals and monitoring their behavior [35]. These advancements hold great promise for improving animal well-being and the management of animal populations [36].…”