Artificial Intelligence and Animals

Artificial intelligence (AI) could help us understand when animals are in pain or showing other emotions. Recent research, described in the journal Science, highlights advancements in this field. One example is the Intellipig system, developed by scientists at the University of the West of England in Bristol and Scotland's Rural College. This system analyzes photos of pigs' faces and alerts farmers if there are signs of pain, illness, or emotional distress.

Another interesting project comes from the University of Haifa. Here, a team has created facial recognition software already used to help people find lost dogs. They are currently training AI to identify signs of discomfort in animals' faces, as they share 38% of facial movements with humans. These systems initially rely on human work to identify the meanings of animal behaviors, usually derived from long observations in various situations.

Recently, a researcher at the University of São Paulo conducted an experiment using photos of horses' faces before and after surgery and before and after taking painkillers. This study trained an AI system to focus on the horses' eyes, ears, and mouths. The result was surprising: the AI managed to learn on its own what signs might indicate pain, achieving an 88% success rate. These developments could revolutionize how we understand and manage animal welfare, making it easier for farmers and veterinarians to recognize when an animal needs help.

In summary, the use of artificial intelligence in monitoring pain and emotions in animals represents a promising frontier. With systems like Intellipig and research conducted in Israel and Brazil, a new chapter in understanding animal behavior is opening. The ability of AI to learn and recognize signs of discomfort could greatly improve animal care and management practices, contributing to ensuring their well-being.