OPEN ACCESS | Published on : 20-Jan-2026 | Pages: 37-46 | Doi : 10.37446/edibook202024/37-46
The integration of robotics into animal behaviour analysis and welfare is transforming the way animals are monitored, studied, and cared for across sectors such as agriculture, laboratory research, and wildlife conservation. This chapter explores the rising significance of robotics especially when combined with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) in enhancing animal welfare through non-invasive, automated, and adaptive systems. Key applications include robotic milking and feeding systems, biomimetic robots in behavioural studies, drone-based wildlife tracking, and AI-driven behaviour monitoring. These technologies improve efficiency, standardize experimental protocols, and reduce human-induced stress in animals. The chapter also examines emerging innovations such as therapeutic robots, conservation bots, and AI systems capable of interpreting animal emotions and social behaviours. While robotics offers vast potential, it also presents challenges including biological variability, ethical considerations, and the need for cross-disciplinary collaboration. Emphasizing the importance of animal-centric design, the chapter calls for ethical frameworks like the Five Freedoms and the Three Rs to guide responsible deployment. The future of animal welfare lies in the collaborative evolution of robotics, science, and compassion.
Animal Welfare, Artificial Intelligence, Behavioural monitoring, Internet of things, Precision livestock farming, Robotics
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