Find out how technology has made pet care easier

Experts explain the advantages and disadvantages of IoT for tutors and animals

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a developing technology, but even in its infancy it has already changed the way humans interact and perform vital functions in their daily lives. By facilitating everything from actions like turning the TV on and off to collecting customer data, the technique has even impacted the lives of petsespecially with regards to health and safety.

“With the IoT, we can automate tasks, improve security, optimize resource usage, achieve insights through data analysis and much more. Furthermore, the Internet of Things will play an important role in the digital transformation, affecting sectors such as agriculture, health, transport, manufacturing and, of course, pets,” explains Felipe Coimbra, CEO of Nexus Tecnologia IT services).

Subsequently, the expert and professor Gedeane Kenshima, control and automation engineer, explain how the Internet of Things applies to the animal universe and the advantages for the tutors. I wait!

Which is pet IoT?

According to Felipe Coimbra, the Internet of Things is a technological term that refers to the digital connection of everyday objects to the Internet. That is, items that would not normally have this capability are connected to the network, which allows them to communicate and deliver information.

“It’s any internet-connected device that can collect, send, and/or receive data. This includes everything from smartphones and smartwatches to refrigerators, washing machines, cars, light bulbs, and toys. In the context of pets, IoT devices include smart collars, automatic feeders, interactive toys, surveillance cameras, among others. [itens]”, says the professional.

How does the technology work?

As Professor Gedeane Kenshima explains, being considered a pet IoT, it is not enough that the device is connected to the Internet. Of course, this is one of the determining factors, but in order for technology to work, it also needs to exchange data through identification.

“To be an IoT device, it must be identified on the network. This identification is done via an Internet Protocol (IP) number. [o dispositivo] can collect data through sensors which, connected to the network, send this data to be processed, generating monitoring and archiving services and acting on the environment“, clarifies the expert.

Advantages and disadvantages of the devices

The benefits of IoT devices for pets they are innumerable. However, like other devices, the technology too has its controversies. Felipe Coimbra and Gedeane Kenshima list the strengths and weaknesses of the technique:

• Remote monitoring: offering peace of mind and comfort to tutors, IoT devices allow users to monitor animals even from a distance, being able to interact, play, track and even offer food;

• Life quality: across the devices, tutors can also collect and store data to verify that the pussies they eat and exercise properly. Also, they receive insights on the health of pets;

• Safety: since they are connected to the internet, the devices can be vulnerable to hacker attacks and, since they collect a lot of data, can cause problems with the privacy of information;

• Internet addiction and distance from pets: to work, the devices need internet and, once disconnected, they lose their functions. On the other hand, its excessive use can generate distance and loneliness in animals. ‘The closeness between the parties is important for the well-being of both,’ says Professor Gedeane Kenshima.

• Cost: While the price of most IoT devices is affordable, keep in mind that the technology is still relatively new and its costs can be high. “Although prices are coming down as the technology becomes more commonplace, some IoT devices can still be expensive,” explains Felipe Coimbra.

devices of pet IoT

According to data from a survey conducted by DogHero and PetLove, in 2021 around 54% of the 2,665 respondents in the study adopted a pet during the pandemic. Of these, only 28% work home office and 18% in a hybrid system. The rest had to adjust their routines to accommodate animal care. In this sense, the products pet IoT has emerged as a solution and among the most popular are:

1. Collars with GPS: help track the pet and provide information such as vital signs and temperature;
2. Automatic feeders: control the amount of feed and the time when the pet must eat. It also allows the user to remotely feed their pet;
3. Surveillance cameras: allow tutors to keep an eye on pets even if you are not at home. Through the device, it is also possible interact with animals via audio to entertain them;
4. Interactive toys: it helps distract pets and train them while away from home;
5. smart bathroom: for the cleaning area there are also sanitary devices that offer a practical, economic and ecological solution to guardians. In them, the pet pee is drained by itself and there is a tube attached to clean it. However, even with its facilities, cleaning the bathroom regularly is important to avoid bad smells.

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.