Well Cow health monitor lives in Bessie's stomach, measures indigestion
Ever wonder how hot it gets inside of a cow's stomach? Neither have we, but if we ever had cause to find out, we can thankfully now do so wirelessly. Front and center in ARM's Internet of Things display at ArmTechCon this week we found Well Cow, a bovine health monitor that bobs around your cattle's rumen -- the largest of a cow's four stomach compartments. The sensor-laden pill lasts between 80-100 days inside the animal, transmitting pH and temperature data to a Bluetooth collar around the beast's neck. Data can then be retrieved using either an Android device or the company's own PC peripheral. We gave the app a quick whirl and were able to quickly discern the room's temperature and general air acidity with the touch of a button. (There appears to be a no cows rule on the show floor.)
It sounds like an unappetizing ordeal, but the setup actually prevents indigestion. By monitoring a cow's stomach acidity, farmers can catch digestive problems early, and adjust the animal's feed or medical needs before it becomes an issue. Micromanaging the animal's diet could also help maximize milk production. An odd thing to find in ARM's booth? Absolutely, but it certainly highlights the creative potential of the company's MBed development platform and what it could bring to the Internet of Cows Things.
