10171915SmartFlock: AI-IoT Enabled Real-time Monitoring for Precision Sheep Health and SustainabilityClosedFast Start ResponseInnovate UKSmartFlock, by Brain Innovation Ltd, is an innovative solution for the UK's £1.8 billion sheep industry, which is facing challenges from a declining national flock and rising costs. Traditional farming methods are often labor-intensive, inefficient, and reactive to health problems. Furthermore, poor rural internet connectivity complicates the use of modern technology. SmartFlock is a practical, scalable, and intelligent system designed to overcome these obstacles. The project integrates a multi-sensor platform, including advanced drone technology and stationary cameras, with AI, IoT, and edge computing to provide real-time, actionable insights. Key functionalities include: * **Automated Flock Management:** High-resolution drones automate time-consuming tasks like sheep counting and broader flock surveillance, significantly reducing manual labor and providing a real-time census. * **Live Weight Estimation:** Using computer vision, the system offers non-invasive live weight estimation. This allows for precise categorization of lambs, enabling farmers to optimize feeding strategies and maximize market value. * **Advanced Health Monitoring:** AI-powered analysis of video and sensor data detects early signs of lameness and other critical health issues. It also monitors for distress and provides immediate alerts for a fallen or dead sheep, a vital welfare feature. The system's unique edge-processing capability ensures it works efficiently in low-bandwidth environments by processing data locally and only sending essential alerts to the farmer's mobile or desktop dashboard. This six-month project will validate the system at High Cleughearn Farm and Equestrian Ltd. SmartFlock is poised to deliver significant, measurable benefits: * **Cost Savings:** Projected total annual savings of **20--30%** by automating tasks and reducing labor requirements. * **Health & Welfare:** Early detection of issues like lameness and falls can reduce health-related costs by **25--40%**, significantly improving animal welfare. * **Productivity Gains:** Real-time tracking can boost productivity by **15--25%**, ensuring better sales outcomes and a healthier bottom line. By providing a resilient and efficient solution, SmartFlock contributes to the digital transformation of agriculture and supports the long-term growth and profitability of the UK's sheep industry.