SRUC named Key Innovator by European Commission for Sheep Monitoring Technology
SRUC researchers have developed an innovative Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) livestock monitoring system that has been recognised by the European Commission for its potential to transform sheep farming.
The technology, developed through the Horizon 2020 TechCare project, coordinated by SRUC, has been featured on the European Commission's Innovation Radar platform, which identifies high-potential innovations emerging from EU-funded research. As part of the recognition, SRUC has been named a Key Innovator.
The BLE-based system combines lightweight wearable technology with advanced data analytics to provide farmers and researchers with detailed insights into the behaviour, movement and welfare of sheep.
The innovation operates on two levels. The first focuses on data collection through lightweight Bluetooth Low Energy beacons, weighing less than 15 grams, attached to ewes and lambs. Their presence and location are detected by wearable readers, fixed readers, or a combination of both. The information can also be integrated with other technologies, including GNSS (GPS) sensors, before being transmitted via a LoRaWAN network and stored on a central server. This creates both real-time monitoring capabilities and valuable long-term datasets.
The second stage transforms the raw information into practical insights. Researchers have developed and tested algorithms capable of determining beacon locations using techniques such as trilateration and zone-based positioning, while also analysing animal activity patterns. This enables users to better understand livestock behaviour and supports improved flock management and welfare monitoring.
The European Commission's Innovation Radar assessment also highlights the technology's potential contribution to future European standardisation efforts. This opportunity could be further explored through the HSbooster.eu support programme in the coming months.
Dr Claire Morgan-Davies, Reader in Livestock Systems at SRUC, said: "Being recognised by the European Commission's Innovation Radar is an important endorsement of the work carried out through the TechCare project. Innovation is central to SRUC's mission, and this work demonstrates how research can be translated into practical technologies that address real challenges facing the livestock sector. By combining affordable Bluetooth Low Energy technology with advanced analytics, we've developed a practical monitoring system that can provide farmers and researchers with valuable information about sheep behaviour, movement and welfare. This recognition highlights the potential for the technology to support more informed livestock management while contributing to future European standards for digital livestock monitoring."
The TechCare project brings together partners from across Europe to develop precision livestock technologies that improve animal health, welfare and farm sustainability. SRUC's recognition as a Key Innovator underlines its leading role in developing digital solutions that have the potential to deliver benefits for livestock producers across Europe.
The recognition reflects SRUC's commitment to developing practical, data-driven solutions that improve livestock production while supporting animal welfare and environmental sustainability. By translating cutting-edge research into technologies that can be adopted on farms, SRUC is helping shape the future of sustainable and resilient agriculture in Scotland, the UK and beyond.
Learn more about animal behaviour and welfare research innovation at SRUC here: Animal behaviour & welfare
Posted by SRUC on 16/07/2026
