Ireland’s TSSG Pioneers a ‘Fitbit for Cows’ to Detect Lameness Early and Boost Farm Profitability

During a recent visit to Dell EMC’s IoT Lab in Limerick, I met Dr. Steven Davy, Research Unit Manager of the Programmable and Autonomous Systems group at Telecoms Software & Services Group (TSSG). He explained how TSSG’s latest initiative, “Cow‑to‑Cloud,” is essentially a Fitbit for cows.

TSSG, a Waterford‑based ICT research hub employing 120 professionals, partners with the Waterford Institute of Technology, Science Foundation Ireland, and Dell EMC to bring advanced IoT, AI, ML, and AR solutions to agriculture. Their Cow‑to‑Cloud project uses a LoRa‑connected pedometer that feeds data into Ireland’s nationwide LoRa network.

Data from each animal is routed through Dell EMC’s Gateway 5000 and processed on IBM’s Bluemix platform. Edge‑based analytics detect abnormal behaviours—such as prolonged standing or lying—by comparing each cow’s activity profile, which naturally changes with age and health. Machine learning models flag deviations early, allowing farmers to intervene before lameness worsens.

In the dairy sector, lameness can reduce milk yield and hinder calving readiness. According to Dr. Davy, up to 20% of cows in a 100‑animal herd may experience lameness annually, with each case costing as much as €275 per animal. This translates to roughly €5,500 per herd per year—a significant expense that early detection can mitigate.

TSSG’s definition of lameness focuses on any gait abnormality that impacts a cow’s movement, which can affect grazing efficiency and overall productivity. Traditional detection relies on farmer observation, which is subjective and variable. The Cow‑to‑Cloud system offers an objective, data‑driven approach that enhances animal welfare while delivering a clear economic benefit.

Looking ahead, TSSG plans to license its intellectual property to animal‑health companies in Ireland and abroad. Dr. Davy noted that firms currently focused on other aspects of livestock health—such as temperature‑based fertility monitoring—could integrate this technology into their offerings.

For more details on the project and its impact, you can explore TSSG’s collaborations with industry partners and academic institutions.