Russian technology company NtechLab is advancing an artificial intelligence powered service aimed at locating missing pets. This update comes from TASS reports, highlighting a push that blends computer vision with real-time search capabilities.
The team has completed the initial version of a pet recognition system focused on cats and dogs and is gearing up for field testing across multiple regions in Russia. The plan includes delivering the technology through a mobile app, a companion website, and a complimentary Telegram bot. Pet owners would upload clear photos, then search for matches within a specialized neural network database, creating a centralized, image-based tracking ecosystem.
Company representatives note that with a high-quality image and a close-up of the animal’s muzzle, the system shows strong accuracy in identifying certain breeds. They also acknowledge ongoing challenges with some pets, such as black cats, where distinguishing features can be subtle and the AI may need more fine-tuning to improve reliability. Alexander Thomas from NtechLab emphasizes this ongoing work as part of the development journey.
Plans for building the database involve collaborations with organizations dedicated to locating lost pets, leveraging community and institutional support to enrich the data pool. In future iterations, there is potential for city surveillance cameras to be integrated into the search network, enabling broader coverage, although this option is not on the immediate agenda. The focus remains on privacy, ethics, and practical deployment with partner groups to maximize the chances of successful reunions.
Earlier reporting from socialbites.ca noted the emergence of a Telegram application tailored for the native Aurora mobile operating system, illustrating the broader trend of accessible, real-time pet recovery tools across platforms.