Electronics maker Sharp is branching out into a new product area — with a so-called smart kitty litter box that helps owners track the health of their pets. Company officials developed the device together with researchers at Tottori University, and they aim to sell it in Japan and overseas.
The device has two sensors that are connected to the internet — they weigh the cat and measure urine volume. The system also records the frequency of visits to the litter box and how long each visit takes.
This information is then compared with Tottori University's database, showing the ideal conditions for a healthy feline. Owners get real-time reports on their cat's well-being through a smartphone app. When the urine volume decreases sharply, or the cat spends too much time in the box, the owner is notified that it may be time for a visit to the vet.
◆branch out新分野に乗り出す
◆kitty litter box猫用トイレ
◆urine尿
◆felineネコ科の動物
◆well-being健康で幸福な状態
◆vet獣医
