Developing a sensor to improve animal welfare in research settings

Tricorder Array Technologies Animal Welfare Sensor

NIH-funded research Tricorder Array Technologies, LLC · NIH-10700101

This study is testing a new sensor called SIDECARe™ that uses smart technology to listen to mouse sounds and help researchers keep track of their health and well-being, making it easier to get reliable results in animal studies.

Quick facts

Grant typeSbir 2 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionTricorder Array Technologies, LLC NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Birmingham, United States)
Project IDNIH-10700101 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on creating the SIDECARe™ sensor, which automates the monitoring of animal health and well-being in research environments. By utilizing advanced AI technology, the sensor will analyze mouse vocalizations to detect various health and social conditions, such as fighting or the presence of mouse pups. The project aims to enhance the consistency and reproducibility of animal models by providing real-time data collection and analysis. The SIDECARe™ system will be tested in both the University of Alabama at Birmingham vivarium and external sites to ensure its effectiveness.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are institutions and researchers involved in animal experimentation, particularly those working with mice.

Not a fit: Patients who are not involved in animal research or do not work with mice will not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the care and welfare of research animals, leading to better research outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Similar approaches using AI for animal monitoring have shown promise in improving animal welfare, indicating a potential for success in this novel application.

Where this research is happening

Birmingham, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.