The home cage monitoring field is growing rapidly. We have seen a proliferation of tools and machine learning applications which allow users to track animal movement and analyse behaviour. What challenges remain and what direction should this scientific community take? To answer these questions, 26 experts from 15 countries descended on Jurmala, Latvia for two days in early September. This event was supported and organised by members of the TEATIME COST Action.
Speakers from both academia and industry presented the cutting edge of home cage tools. These use machine learning in diverse ways, from primate face recognition, to capturing mouse posture. We also gained insight into emerging systems and hardware, which record high-quality behavioural data and monitor animal welfare. Breakout groups focused on key challenges and opportunities in the field. Discussions ranged from technical tradeoffs and design-considerations to communication between users and makers. We also considered how to mature our community. A lively roundtable concluded the session, where we decided on short and long term goals. This meeting provides momentum and direction for the community.
Hamish Forrest
