Using AI to enhance animal care and monitoring systems at Rutgers University

Harnessing the power of digital caging and artificial intelligence (AI) to improve animal welfare and husbandry operations at Rutgers University-New Brunswick

NIH-funded research Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j. · NIH-10986690

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 typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionRutgers, the State Univ of N.j. NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Piscataway, United States)
Project IDNIH-10986690 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: 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.

Not a fit: Patients who are not involved in animal research or do not work with laboratory animals may not receive any benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

Piscataway, 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 2026-06-10 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.