Background
As our relationships with domesticated animals, particularly pets, evolve, so does the need for deeper emotional connections and understanding.
My interest lies in exploring how emerging technologies such as neurotechnology, biometric sensors, machine learning and artificial intelligence can bridge the communication gap between humans and their pets.
By diving deeper into technologies like neural sensors and AI-driven health monitoring, I aim to design a solution to improve human communicative relations: a bridge over the current gap of one-way communication between humans and animals, specifically pets.
Challenges
01. Lack of Clear Communication
Pet owners often struggle to interpret their pets’ emotions or health issues, leading to delays in addressing critical health or emotional needs. This can affect pet welfare and strain human-animal relationships.
Imagine this scenario:
A first-time pet-owning user who suddenly faces the pet not having any activities and is lying down most of the time. The user is confused and doesn’t know what’s wrong with the pet. Currently, he has to take the pet to a veterinarian and pay lots of money for only the visit; or in case of any misdiagnosis, the animal would have other issues developed that might take a while to discover while the illness has been developed already.
02. Limitations of Current Monitoring Devices
Current pet wearables primarily track physical activity but fall short of detecting emotional states or early health indicators. There is a growing need for more holistic monitoring that includes emotional well-being alongside physical health. The integration of the current technologies is also very limited, and pet owners do not have access to a platform.
03. Ethical Considerations
Using technology to monitor animals’ neural and physical states raises ethical questions about animal autonomy, comfort, and well-being. It is critical to ensure that any intervention remains non-invasive and benefits the animal directly.
Opportunities
Humans
are social creatures
We communicate
To Feel, Understand, and Connect
However
We interact
with one of our closest friends
not communicate
with one of our closest friends
not communicate
Our connection with pets often feels intuitive, yet the inability to communicate directly creates significant challenges in understanding their emotional and physical needs.
Thesis Question
How can emerging technologies be designed to enhance human communication with their pets and improve emotional understanding while ensuring ethical considerations, accessibility, and user well-being?
Improved Pet Care
By monitoring emotional and physical health in real time, pet owners can offer better, more informed care, resulting in happier, healthier pets. Early detection of stress or health issues can improve the quality of life for both the pet and the owner.
Deeper Emotional Connections
This technology has the potential to strengthen the bonds between pets and their owners by providing insight into their emotional states and deepening their mutual understanding.
Neurotechnology’s Growth
As neurotechnology becomes more accessible, the pet care industry stands at the threshold of innovation. This project could help lead a new wave of AI-powered, emotion-sensitive devices, expanding animal health and communication technology possibilities.
Stakeholders
Research Process
Solution
Motivated by advancements in neurotechnology and a growing emphasis on pet wellness, this project aims to bridge the communication gap between pets and their owners by developing a wearable neural sensing device for dogs and cats specifically.
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A user-friendly interface for the owners to access the data and analysis. This system will provide actionable insights into pets’ emotional and health states, fostering stronger relationships and proactive care.
Current State:
This project is ongoing, and this page will be updated soon with further information!