Artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to revolutionize the way we understand animal emotions, particularly in detecting pain and distress. A recent report highlights efforts by researchers from various institutions who are actively developing AI systems to analyze animal expressions, offering potential benefits in farming, veterinary care, and pet welfare.
AI Identifying Pain in Livestock
Researchers at the University of the West of England Bristol and Scotland’s Rural College are working on Intellipig, an AI-driven system designed to scan pig facial expressions. This technology can detect signs of pain, illness, or emotional distress, providing farmers with real-time alerts. Early detection allows for a quicker response to health issues, ultimately improving animal welfare and farm productivity.
Read more: China Develops Humanoids with Enhanced Facial Movement and Emotions
Facial Recognition for Dogs and Horses
At the University of Haifa, a team of researchers is applying AI to analyze dog facial expressions to detect discomfort and distress. They built facial recognition software that had previously helped locate lost dogs. Their research indicates that dogs share 38% of their facial movements with humans, making AI an invaluable tool for understanding canine emotions.
Similarly, researchers at the University of São Paulo have developed an AI system that detects pain in horses by analyzing photos taken before and after surgery or after painkiller administration. The AI system focuses on key facial features, such as eyes, ears, and mouths, and has achieved an impressive 88% accuracy rate in detecting pain.
The Future of AI in Animal Welfare
Looking to the future, these developments suggest that AI could significantly enhance research into animal behavior. While current models still rely on human observations, advancements in machine learning are expected to enable AI to independently interpret animal emotions with greater precision, opening new doors for improving animal care across various sectors.
