Medicine Has Gone to the Dogs: Deep Learning and Robotic Olfaction to Mimic Working Dogs

Abstract

Canines and humans have coexisted for millennia, to our mutual benefit. Our estimated 35 000+ year history of coevolution, including selective breeding, has lead to the development of intimate forms of cooperation, perhaps unparalleled among mammalian species [26]. In addition to providing companionship, dogs can perform critical roles for humans, such as mental health support and aid for the disabled. Recent years have seen growth in the deployment of service dogs, which are trained to perform a specialized task to mitigate a disability, providing higher quality care, increased independence, and peace of mind for those with life-threatening illnesses.