Nikon, the renowned imaging company, has introduced a groundbreaking system that utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) to alert farmers when a cow is about to give birth, according to a recent report from Kyodo News. This innovation aims to minimize the need for constant monitoring of pregnant cows during busy birthing seasons, thereby enhancing efficiency for farmers.
The system is composed of a security-style camera combined with an AI platform and requires a dedicated smartphone application. It costs 900,000 yen ($6,200) annually for a farm with approximately 100 cows. Once the AI detects that a calf is due to be born, the smartphone application emits an alert, enabling farmers to take immediate action if necessary.
Nikon commenced training the AI in the autumn of 2021 and subsequently conducted proof-of-concept tests on four farms in southwestern Japan in February 2023. By monitoring specific signs displayed by pregnant cows approximately five hours prior to labor, such as heightened movement and the initial release of the calf’s amniotic sac, the system accurately predicts the onset of birth. Additionally, Kazuhiro Hirano, a representative from Nikon, expressed aspirations to expand the system’s capabilities to include the detection of female cows in heat and other behavioral patterns.
Positive reviews of the system have already surfaced. Keita Higuchi, a livestock owner who participated in the tests last year, attested to its efficacy, stating, “We typically deliver around 60 calves per year and used to check on the mothers every few hours starting a month before their due dates. This system has been a tremendous aid.”
Recognized primarily for its consumer cameras, Nikon also manufactures a diverse range of equipment, including microscopes, X-ray systems, semiconductor technology, robot vision systems, and virtual production studios. The company leverages AI technology not only to enhance microscope imaging but also to combat the inappropriate use of fake AI-generated images through electronic watermarking technology.
Nikon’s AI-based system not only revolutionizes the farming industry but also exhibits the company’s commitment to incorporating cutting-edge technology in its diverse product offerings. By streamlining the process of monitoring cow births, Nikon’s innovative solution aims to optimize efficiency and productivity for farmers worldwide.
The source of the article is from the blog anexartiti.gr