Islamabad, Feb 17: Artificial intelligence (AI) is on the verge of revolutionizing the way we understand animal emotions, particularly in detecting pain and distress. Researchers across various institutions are developing AI systems that analyze facial expressions and other behavioral indicators, potentially transforming farming, veterinary care, and pet welfare.
At the University of the West of England Bristol and Scotland’s Rural College, scientists are developing an advanced AI-driven system named Intellipig, designed to scan pig facial expressions. This system can detect signs of pain, sickness, or emotional distress, allowing farmers to receive real-time alerts about their livestock’s health. This technology enables farmers to address health issues quickly, enhancing both animal well-being and farm productivity.
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Meanwhile, a research team at the University of Haifa is applying AI to analyze dog facial expressions in order to detect discomfort and distress. The team had previously created facial recognition software to help locate lost dogs and now aims to understand canine emotions. Their research found that dogs share 38% of their facial movements with humans, making AI a powerful tool in deciphering their emotional states.
In another groundbreaking effort, researchers at the University of São Paulo are using AI to detect pain in horses. By analyzing images taken before and after surgeries, as well as following painkiller administration, the AI system focuses on key facial features like the eyes, ears, and mouth to identify pain signs. This method has achieved an impressive 88% accuracy rate.
Looking to the future, these advancements indicate that AI will play a crucial role in improving animal welfare. While current models still depend on human observation, the rapid progress in machine learning suggests that AI could soon autonomously interpret animal emotions with even greater precision, paving the way for better care and understanding of animals.
