Through the fusion of 5G technology, artificial intelligence (AI) and multimedia, this collaboration between UTS, TPG, Nokia and AWS aims to automate cattle counting and streamline livestock management processes, heralding a new era for the agricultural industry.
In a groundbreaking trial, the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), in collaboration with industry partners, has delivered a transformative initiative at the Tamworth Regional Livestock Exchange (TRLX). Employing cutting-edge 5G technology and artificial intelligence (AI), this project automates the traditionally labour-intensive task of cattle counting, potentially reshaping the future of livestock exchanges.
Over the course of 12 months, the trial showcased the seamless integration of 5G, AI, image processing, and cloud and edge computing services, eliminating human error and enabling real-time monitoring and reporting of cattle numbers with unprecedented accuracy. This innovative solution, developed in collaboration with Nokia, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and TPG Telecom, has the potential to revolutionise not only cattle counting but also various aspects of livestock management, including security, identification, tracking, and health monitoring.
Professor Jian Zhang, UTS Tech Lab
As the academic lead of the Multimedia Data Analytics Lab (MDAL) at UTS, I am thrilled to see our collaborative efforts with industry partners yield transformative results in the field of agriculture. Our utilisation of advanced technologies such as 5G and AI underscores the potential of interdisciplinary research in driving innovation and addressing real-world challenges. This initiative not only showcases the capabilities of our lab in pioneering AI-based multimedia applications but also highlights the significant impact such advancements can have on diverse industries.
Professor Jian Zhang, Multimedia Data Analytics Lab (MDAL), UTS Tech Lab.
Brock Syphers, AAM Investment Group’s NSW Regional Development Manager, emphasised the significance of this technological advancement, highlighting its potential to enhance efficiency and accountability while ensuring the well-being of both animals and personnel during sale days.
Most people think counting cattle is as simple as counting jellybeans, but counting four-legged beasts moving at speed is a completely different ballgame. Counting cattle requires a lot of bodies, hours of work, and genuine skill to make sure you get the numbers right, all the while making sure the animals are healthy, looked after, and your people are safe. This is a game changer for the industry and can give our team more time, resources, and the next level of accountability that is crucial on a sale day. The 5G smart solution can help deliver greater certainty for buyers and sellers alike, providing clear evidence the cows arriving at the saleyard are the same cows leaving when sold.
Brock Syphers, AAM Investment Group, NSW Regional Development Manager.
The trial’s success underscores the immense potential of 5G technology in revolutionising agriculture, as noted by Giovanni Chiarelli, TPG Telecom Chief Technology Officer. With the prospect of significant economic and productivity boosts, this initiative exemplifies the pivotal role of technology in driving operational improvements and cost savings within the agricultural sector.
This project is a great example of how labour-intensive industries like agriculture can benefit from the major economic, resource, and productivity boosts made possible by 5G. It demonstrates how 5G networks and AI-image processing, cloud, and edge computing technologies can automate manual processes and drive efficiencies. We look forward to seeing how this solution can be rolled out nationally to deliver greater benefits and efficiencies to all Australian industries.
Giovanni Chiarelli, TPG Telecom Chief Technology Officer
This collaborative effort between UTS Tech Lab, industry partners, and the Australian Government’s 5G Innovation Initiative marks a significant step forward in leveraging advanced technologies to address challenges in agriculture. As the project paves the way for future innovations, UTS Tech Lab remains committed to advancing research and development in multimedia data analytics, driving transformative solutions for industries worldwide.
The project was completed in 2022 and received grant funding from the Australian Government’s 5G Innovation Initiative.