Using AI to enhance animal care and monitoring systems at Rutgers University
Official title: Harnessing the power of digital caging and artificial intelligence (AI) to improve animal welfare and husbandry operations at Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Funded at Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j. · NIH-10986690 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about making animal homes at Rutgers University better by using smart technology that keeps an eye on their health and living conditions, helping researchers and caretakers take even better care of them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Piscataway, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2024 |
| Project end | July 14, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $349,584 |
| NIH project number | 1R24OD037688-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10986690 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include researchers and institutions involved in animal studies, particularly those focused on laboratory animals like mice and rats.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not involved in animal research or do not work with laboratory animals may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on upgrading animal housing facilities at Rutgers University by implementing advanced digital caging systems equipped with artificial intelligence. The project aims to install Individually Ventilated Cages (IVC) that utilize machine learning to continuously monitor the health and environment of laboratory animals. By integrating sophisticated sensors, the system will track various factors such as animal activity, food and water availability, and environmental conditions, thereby improving overall animal welfare and operational efficiency. This innovative approach will provide real-time data to animal caretakers and researchers, facilitating better decision-making and care practices.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly enhance the welfare of laboratory animals and improve the efficiency of animal husbandry operations.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in using technology and AI for animal monitoring, indicating that this approach has potential for positive outcomes.
Where this research is happening
-
Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j.
Piscataway, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Eswaraka, Jeetendra Reddy — Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j.
- Study coordinator: Eswaraka, Jeetendra Reddy
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Addressing fairness in AI models for asthma in young children
This grant aims to ensure AI tools used for diagnosing and managing asthma in children aged 0-11 work fairly for all socioeconomic and demographic groups.
-
Using AI and drug modeling to understand why genes and other medicines change clopidogrel response
This project uses AI, genetic data, and drug-response models to find why people with different genes or taking other medications respond differently to clopidogrel.
-
AI-powered tools to improve periodontal diagnosis and treatment decisions
A dental AI tool helps doctors diagnose periodontitis more accurately and tailor care for adults, using 2D/3D images and health records.
-
Data and AI Core for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health (Core D)
A central data and AI hub at the University of Louisville will help researchers collect, harmonize, and analyze data to understand how nutrition, metabolism, and heart health influence disease.
-
Making asthma care AI work fairly for all children
This project aims to improve AI tools used in pediatric asthma care so they give fairer and more reliable results for children from different incomes and backgrounds.
-
Using AI to improve safety in radiation therapy treatment planning
This study is testing a new AI tool to help doctors in radiation therapy work together better and make fewer mistakes before starting treatment, all to keep patients safer and improve their care.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.