Nikon has created an AI-powered camera to monitor labour in cows

Nikon

Nikon has adapted its computer vision and artificial intelligence technologies to solve an unexpected challenge - predicting the timing of labour in cows on farms. The system is designed to optimise the work of farmers during busy calving periods.

Here's What We Know

The solution consists of a video camera and an AI algorithm that analyses the animal's behaviour and sends a notification to a smartphone a few hours before delivery. This makes it possible to prepare in advance for the delivery.

The system was tested on several farms in Japan in early 2023. According to the owners, it helps save time checking dozens of pregnant cows in the prenatal period. Nikon also plans to teach AI to recognise other aspects of cattle behaviour.

The company is known primarily for its cameras, but it also makes microscopes, X-ray equipment and various computer vision-based solutions. The cow monitoring system costs about $6200 per year for a 100-head herd.

Source: Kyodo News