AI-empowered visual recognition system for dairy cow identification, health and behaviour monitoring

By August 1st, 2025

Project overview

Project title

AI-empowered visual recognition system for dairy cow identification, health and behaviour monitoring and detection

Project description

This project develops an AI-driven system to identify individual cows, and monitor and detect their health and behaviour, through the use of facial recognition, posture analysis, and thermal imaging. The expected outcome is early detection of illness and abnormal activity of cows. This project will support productivity, reduce losses, and improve animal welfare in the dairy industry.

Supervisory team

University

Name of university supervisorAssociate Professor Hai Wang
Name of universityMurdoch University
Email addresshai.wang@murdoch.edu.au
FacultyCollege of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

CSIRO

Name of CSIRO supervisorDr Quanxi Shao
Email addressQuanxi.Shao@data61.csiro.au
CSIRO Research UnitData61

Industry

Name of industry supervisorDr Mark McHenry
Name of business/organisationPeninsula Downs Pty Ltd
Email addressmpmchenry@gmail.com

Further details

Primary location of studentMurdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch WA 6150, Australia
Industry engagement component locationPeninsula Downs Pty Ltd, 1713 Warner Glen Road, Warner Glen WA 6288, Australia
Other locationsCSIRO Kensington, 26 Dick Perry Avenue, Kensington WA 6151, Australia
Ideal student skillsetA background in computer science, machine learning, AI engineering, or a related discipline, with strong skills in computer vision and programming (e.g., Python, PyTorch, or TensorFlow).

Experience with image/video analysis or thermal data processing is desirable.

Familiarity with animal behaviour, agricultural systems, or human/animal posture recognition is a plus.

Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively across academic and industry settings.
Application close dateOpen until position filled
ApplyContact Associate Professor Hai Wang