710759Felcana – a simple, connected, pet platformClosedGRD Proof of ConceptInnovate UKThe Felcana project will confirm that human electronic sensors can be successfully utilised in the animals. In humans the use of ‘wearable’ and other connected devices is expected to increase dramatically over the next 5 years. The pet population presents huge potential to employ similar technology as pet owners are interested in their animals’ health and wellbeing. Current wearable and connected technology for animals is nascent. Devices are available for identifying location and activity levels but are cumbersome and have poor battery life. In the veterinary hospital environment, devices offering basic clinical monitoring (e.g. heart and respiratory rate, ECG, temperature) are routinely used. However, these devices are large, expensive, and complex for continuous use outside of a veterinary hospital. Felcana will be a highly innovative animal platform. Current human sensor technology will be adapted to enable activity level and basic clinical monitoring to be continuously measured outside a clinical setting. The Felcana platform will enable owners to monitor what their animals are doing as well as providing early warnings of many potential illnesses. Certain challenges need to be overcome to enable human sensors to work well on animals. The presence of fur limits the effectiveness of sensors that normally require direct skin contact. Additional durability is also essential since animals may brush the device against hard surfaces or expose it to water. The Proof of Concept will confirm that sensors can be effectively used in animals in specific situations. Necessary adjustments to increase durability will also be developed to result in a simple device that can be worn by pets with appropriate functions and connections to software as required. The Proof of Concept project will evolve into a Proof of Prototype project which will enable the device to be reduced in size, enhance battery life and extend wireless connectivity so that it can be used in small breeds.