Abstract
As technologies diversify and become embedded in everyday lives, the technologies we expose to animals, and the new technologies being developed for animals within the field of Animal Computer Interaction (ACI) are increasing. As we approach seven years since the ACI manifesto, which grounded the field within Human Computer Interaction and Computer Science, this thematic literature review looks at the technologies developed for (non-human) animals. Technologies that are analysed include tangible and physical, haptic and wearable, olfactory, screen technology and tracking systems. The conversation explores what exactly ACI is whilst questioning what it means to be animal by considering the impact and loop between machine and animal interactivity. The findings of this review are expected to form the first grounding foundation of ACI technologies informing future research in animal computing as well as suggesting future areas for exploration.
Highlights
The well-being, behaviours, and physical characteristics of animals have long been studied within animal biology sciences but the landscape changes as the understanding of animals evolves
As a relatively new field, being coined in 2011 in the Animal Computer Interaction (ACI) Manifesto [9], it has taken its main reference from Human Computer Interaction (HCI) [3,4,10], which in turn has led to an early focus on studies of the usability of technology and the user experience of animals to influence the design of interactive solutions [11,12]
Whilst literature reviews around the field of ACI exist, such as the one for smart computing and sensing technologies for animal welfare [18], there has yet to be a direct overview of technologies within ACI
Summary
The well-being, behaviours, and physical characteristics of animals have long been studied within animal biology sciences but the landscape changes as the understanding of animals evolves. Whilst literature reviews around the field of ACI exist, such as the one for smart computing and sensing technologies for animal welfare [18], there has yet to be a direct overview of technologies within ACI. This chronicle begins by briefly exploring what ACI is and considering how the fields of animal behaviour and HCI intersect and contribute towards the embodied work. Whilst this review does not tackle ethical, methodological, legal, economic and philosophical issues surrounding ACI, it is hoped that those embroiled in such topics may find this narrative useful in initiating discussions
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
