The agricultural technology landscape is rapidly advancing, yet occasionally a breakthrough emerges that significantly transforms the industry. One such innovation comes from Scanabull, a pioneering startup based in New Zealand, which is revolutionizing cattle management by integrating sophisticated computer vision and artificial intelligence directly into the field.
Recently, Scanabull secured A$1 million (NZ$1.1 million) in funding to accelerate the deployment of their groundbreaking system. This technology enables instant cattle weight estimation using just a smartphone or specialized hardware, eliminating the need for traditional weighing equipment.
Revolutionizing Livestock Weight Measurement
Conventional cattle weighing methods often involve herding animals into confined spaces and using physical scales, a process that is both laborious and stressful for the livestock. This approach not only demands significant manpower but can also cause temporary weight loss in animals due to stress, undermining the accuracy of the measurements.
As a result, many in the beef industry still depend on visual assessments rather than precise data, which introduces inefficiencies and financial risks. In 2026, relying on estimations when millions of dollars are at stake highlights a critical gap in livestock management.
Leveraging Smartphone Sensors for Precision
Scanabull’s innovation lies in harnessing the LiDAR sensor found in devices like the iPhone Pro to capture detailed 3D scans of cattle. These scans generate complex point clouds that are processed by proprietary neural networks, delivering accurate weight estimates without physical contact.
What sets this technology apart is its use of edge computing-performing AI analysis directly on the device. This eliminates the dependency on high-speed internet connections, making it practical for remote farm locations where connectivity is often limited.
“Our proprietary AI architecture enables real-time neural network processing on edge devices, a capability unmatched in livestock applications,”
Dan Bull, Co-Founder and CEO, Scanabull.
The system processes spatial data approximately 30 times per second, providing weight estimates in about one second, dramatically improving operational efficiency on farms.
Accuracy and Scalability in Livestock Monitoring
Currently, Scanabull’s technology achieves over 93% accuracy for individual cattle, with even greater precision when assessing entire herds. This level of accuracy is remarkable given the non-invasive nature of the measurement process.
Having trained their AI on more than 100,000 animal data points, the system continuously improves as more data is collected, enhancing its reliability and usefulness over time.
Farmers can access this technology through two main options: the WeighApp for iPhone Pro users and the Scanabull Weigh Point, a dedicated hardware device designed for automated paddock weighing.
Enhancing Transparency Across the Beef Supply Chain
The absence of objective weight data has long complicated transactions between farmers, traders, and processors, often leading to disputes and financial losses due to inaccurate estimations.
“Visual estimates dominate livestock trading, but inaccuracies can cause significant financial discrepancies for all parties involved,”
Dan Bull, Co-Founder and CEO, Scanabull.
By providing rapid, dependable weight measurements, Scanabull aims to foster greater transparency and trust within the beef industry. This data empowers farmers to optimize the timing of market sales, improving profitability and operational decisions.
“Introducing quick, objective measurements in the field transforms how farmers manage their herds and make sales decisions,”
Dr Ursula Haywood, Co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer, Scanabull.
Strategic Growth and Market Expansion
While Scanabull’s roots are in New Zealand, where they collaborate with partners like Silver Fern Farms, the company is actively pursuing international growth. Plans are underway to enter the Australian market by the end of 2026, tapping into one of the world’s largest beef industries.
The Australian beef sector stands to benefit immensely from this “edge AI” technology, which offers a cost-effective alternative to expensive infrastructure traditionally required for livestock monitoring.
The recent investment round, led by Sprout Agritech with backing from Enterprise Angels and Callaghan Innovation, will support further AI development and facilitate this global expansion.
Beyond Weight: A Vision for Comprehensive Livestock Analytics
Although weight estimation is the current focus, Scanabull’s roadmap includes advanced features such as carcass weight prediction and body condition scoring. These enhancements aim to provide a holistic, data-driven perspective on animal health and productivity from birth through processing.
“Our mission is to integrate data-driven insights throughout the entire beef production cycle, enabling smarter farm management and market strategies,”
Dr Ursula Haywood, Co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer, Scanabull.
By combining cutting-edge LiDAR technology with on-device AI, Scanabull exemplifies how innovative startups can address real-world agricultural challenges. Their upcoming expansion into Australia marks an exciting chapter in the evolution of livestock management.
Discover more about Scanabull’s transformative technology at https://scanabull.com/
