The world of agritech is witnessing a surge in innovation, and New Zealand-based startup Scanabull is making waves with a novel approach to cattle weight management. The company recently secured NZ$1.1 million (approximately A$1 million) in funding to scale its system, which leverages artificial intelligence and 3D scanning to instantly estimate cattle weight using just a smartphone or dedicated hardware. This technology promises to address long-standing inefficiencies in the beef supply chain and improve animal welfare.
For years, accurately weighing cattle has been a logistical challenge for farmers and processors, often requiring time-consuming and stressful procedures. Scanabull’s technology offers a potential solution by eliminating the need for traditional weigh scales and manual handling. By utilizing the LiDAR sensor found in iPhone Pro models, the system provides a non-invasive and rapid method for assessing livestock weight, potentially revolutionizing how the industry operates. The company is already working with partners like Silver Fern Farms, signaling early adoption of the technology.
How Scanabull’s Technology Works
At the heart of Scanabull’s innovation lies its ability to process spatial data with remarkable speed, and accuracy. The system captures a 3D scan of the animal, creating a detailed “point cloud” that is then analyzed by proprietary neural networks. This analysis happens directly on the device – a process known as edge computing – meaning farmers don’t require a robust internet connection in remote locations to obtain weight estimates. According to Scanabull co-founder and CEO Dan Bull, “No one is running neural networks at this speed on edge devices for livestock applications. Scanabull has developed our own proprietary architecture and training models to craft it possible.”
The system processes data at roughly 30 times per second, delivering a weight estimate in about one second. Currently, Scanabull boasts over 93% accuracy on individual animals, with even higher precision when assessing an entire herd. This level of accuracy is achieved through training the AI models on over 100,000 animal data points, and the company anticipates continued improvement as more data is collected. Scanabull offers two primary access points to the technology: the WeighApp for iPhone Pro users and the Scanabull Weigh Point, a custom hardware device designed for automated weighing in the paddock.
Improving Transparency and Efficiency in the Beef Supply Chain
A key challenge in the beef industry has been the reliance on visual estimation for determining livestock weight, leading to potential financial discrepancies and inefficiencies. “Many animals are bought and sold based on visual estimates rather than objective measurements. When those estimates are wrong, it can result in significant financial differences for farmers, traders and processors,” explains Dan Bull. Scanabull aims to address this issue by providing a fast and reliable method for obtaining accurate weight data, fostering greater transparency throughout the supply chain. Dr. Ursula Haywood, Scanabull’s co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer, adds, “The beef sector is still heavily reliant on estimation and manual processes. By introducing objective measurements that can be captured quickly in the field, One can help farmers manage their animals more effectively and make more informed decisions about when to sell.”
The benefits extend beyond financial considerations. Traditional cattle handling for weighing can be stressful for animals, potentially leading to weight loss. Scanabull’s non-invasive approach minimizes stress, contributing to improved animal welfare. The technology’s ability to provide real-time data empowers farmers to make more informed decisions about animal management and market timing.
Expansion into Australia and Future Development
While currently based in New Zealand, Scanabull has its sights set on international expansion, with plans to explore opportunities in Australia by the end of the year. Given the scale of the Australian beef industry, the potential for this “edge AI” technology is substantial. The recent NZ$1.1 million funding round, led by Sprout Agritech with support from Enterprise Angels and Callaghan Innovation, will be used to further develop the AI models and fuel this expansion. Sprout Agritech led the funding round, demonstrating confidence in the company’s potential.
Looking ahead, Scanabull’s roadmap extends beyond weight estimation. Future versions of the software are expected to incorporate carcass weight prediction and body condition scoring, providing a comprehensive data-driven assessment of livestock from birth to processing. “Our ambition is to help bring data-driven decision making into the beef industry from birth through to processing. Once farmers have accurate, real-time data about their animals, everything from farm management to market pricing becomes more efficient,” says Dr. Haywood.
Scanabull represents a compelling example of how cutting-edge technology can address real-world challenges in the agricultural sector. As the company expands its reach, it will be interesting to observe its impact on the beef industry and the broader adoption of AI-powered solutions in agritech.
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Disclaimer: This article provides information for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute professional advice.
