Pioneering the care and treatment of dairy cattle
The task to combine this real world and augmented reality approach is still in its early stages. Once researchers have solved individual cow recognition, a prototype augmented reality data display will be developed to create a robust and practical solution for field use that also integrates data from other sources. Agri-EPI Head of Dairy Duncan Forbes explains:
“The beauty of this project is that it combines farmers’ and vet’s experienced ‘eyes’ with real-time data: technology is being used to enhance, rather than replace, human skills. In addition, SmARtview could provide a solution to one of the key challenges of on-farm technology – while different devices like robotic milkers, sensors and collars can already collect plentiful data, its lack of integration limits insight to drive decision-making.”
Transforming dairy farming and animal care
With the potential to transform current practice through instant livestock recognition and up to date information, the team hope to deliver real benefits to vets and allied technicians, with further development potential in other animal husbandry sectors.
An Innovate UK-funded research project, SmARtview is based at Agri-EPI’s innovative South West Dairy Development Centre and brings together Agri-EPI Centre and UK Veterinary Group VetPartners with experts at award-winning games developer Pocket Sized Hands and Abertay University’s School of Design & Informatics.
The new cow recognition and data system will be trialled by vets and allied professionals from VetPartners’ practices around the UK.
Abertay is a world leader in applying games technology to the business, education and healthcare sectors and the University is ranked number one in Europe for videogames education.
Pocket Sized Hands and Abertay University’s School of Design and Informatics are bringing world-leading expertise to the project. Abertay’s Professor Ruth Falconer said:
“Our aim is to put new technology to best use in order to solve problems in the real world.”
Pocket Sized Hands (PSH) will lead the prototype AR development and lend their expertise to the User Experience (UX) aspect of the technology. Their skills will ensure the augmented reality display of data is presented to the user in an engaging way. PSH Chief Executive Gary McCartan said:
“It’s really exciting to be applying technology we normally use in game development to the world of farming. We will be looking at ways to allow cow data to be easily accessed and understood.”
