Arr, matey! This wondrous contraption o' AI be keepin' them pesky critters from intrudin' yer abode, arr!
2023-12-07
Arrr! Nay worry, me hearties! Be there a method to thwart yer feline's mischief, keepin' 'er from fetchin' a lifeless rodent, a chirpin' bird, or a wrigglin' serpent. Cap'n Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson shall enlighten ye on this here AI-aided sorcery!
Despite concerns over artificial intelligence (AI), pet owners may have found a new best friend in AI for their furry companions. Cats are known for their hunting and killing instincts, often bringing their prey back home as a display of affection and prowess. However, this behavior often leaves pet owners with messy and bloody surprises in their homes. To address this issue, some pet owners install cat flaps or doors that allow their cats to come and go as they please without having to open the main door every time.Not all cat flaps or doors are created equal, though. Some use radio frequency identification (RDIF) technology to detect a microchip implanted in the cat's collar or body, allowing only authorized pets to enter. However, what if your cat brings home a dead mouse, bird, or even a live snake? This is where the new generation of smart cat flaps or doors comes in.
The ZeroMouse, a smart device that exceeded its fundraising goal on Kickstarter, uses AI technology to detect whether a cat is carrying prey in its mouth. It consists of an RFID pet door or flap connected to a camera and a speaker. The camera takes a photo of the cat as it approaches the door, which is then analyzed by an AI-based algorithm to determine if the cat has prey. If it does, ZeroMouse emits an RDIF signal of an unrecognized cat, keeping the flap or door closed until the prey is left behind.
ZeroMouse is a small device that works with most preexisting RDIF-enabled pet flaps or doors, saving pet owners from the expense and hassle of a new installation. It requires an external power source and Wi-Fi access to constantly update the AI algorithm. ZeroMouse will be available for purchase through online retailers in the first half of 2024.
Overall, ZeroMouse demonstrates how AI can improve a pet owner's life by solving a common challenge. It not only detects unwanted critters in the mouths of pets but may also teach an "old" cat new tricks.