With accurate facial recognition technology for humans in almost 630 million facial recognition cameras throughout China, Chinese entrepreneurs see opportunity in applying the technology to livestock operations. Alibaba, China’s tech giant, is developing voice recognition technology for pigs to detect if they are in pain. Another company is working on an artificial intelligence system to feed individual pigs.
Source: The Washington Post, August 24, 2020. Link. “There are obvious constraints – like the technology working properly on farm, appropriately validating what is being monitored, and data handling – but these challenges are worth tackling if they bring animal welfare benefits.” Gosia Zobel, scientist, AgResearch
INSIGHTS: These advances in China, as well as those worldwide, are increasing individual farms’ contribution to the food supply. If they improve productivity, ROI and animal health, we’re heading in the right direction.