Artificial intelligence (AI) could soon play a crucial role in understanding animal emotions, particularly in detecting pain and distress, according to a recent report. Researchers from different institutions are actively developing AI systems to analyze animal expressions, potentially transforming farming, veterinary care, and pet welfare.
AI Identifying Pain in Livestock
At the University of the West of England Bristol and Scotland’s Rural College, scientists are developing Intellipig, an advanced AI-driven system designed to scan pig facial expressions. By doing so, it can detect signs of pain, sickness, or emotional distress, allowing farmers to receive real-time alerts. As a result, they can quickly respond to potential health issues, improving animal well-being and farm productivity using AI.
Facial Recognition for Dogs and Horses
Meanwhile, a research team at the University of Haifa is applying AI to analyze dog facial expressions, specifically to detect discomfort and distress. Notably, this team had previously developed facial recognition software that helped people locate lost dogs. Their studies indicate that dogs share 38% of their facial movements with humans, which makes AI a valuable tool in understanding canine emotions.
At the same time, researchers at the University of São Paulo are using AI to detect pain in horses. By analyzing photos taken before and after surgery, as well as after painkiller administration, the AI system learned to focus on key facial features—such as eyes, ears, and mouths—to identify signs of pain. Impressively, this method achieved an 88% accuracy rate.
The Future of AI in Animal Welfare
Looking ahead, these breakthroughs suggest that AI could enhance animal behavior research. While current models still rely on human observations, machine learning advancements could soon enable AI to independently interpret animal emotions with even greater precision.
