Nedap SmartSight Locomotion Monitoring
By Nedap
Last reviewed: January 2026
Vision-based lameness detection using fixed barn cameras to continuously observe cow locomotion and posture, with ability to fuse data from accelerometers...
Overview
Nedap SmartSight represents a significant advancement in dairy cow health monitoring, using AI-powered computer vision to detect lameness at early stages. Launched in 2025, it is the first vision-based solution in Nedap's locomotion monitoring suite, designed to catch subtle gait changes weeks before they become visible to farm staff.
The system uses overhead cameras installed in barns to monitor cow gait as animals walk naturally through their environment. Advanced AI algorithms, trained on millions of data points from commercial farms across multiple countries, analyze walking patterns to provide objective locomotion scores for each cow.
SmartSight integrates seamlessly with Nedap's existing Cow Control platform (SmartTags, behavior monitoring, production tracking) while also functioning as a standalone solution.
Snapshot
Description: AI-powered vision system using overhead cameras to automatically detect lameness in dairy cows through continuous gait analysis and locomotion scoring.
Who It's For: Dairy farms seeking to catch lameness early, reduce treatment costs, and improve hoof health outcomes through objective monitoring.
What It Does Best: Detects subtle gait changes indicating lameness weeks before the naked eye can see problems, enabling early intervention.
Why It Matters: Lameness affects 90% of dairy cows at least once and is a top-3 cause of involuntary culling. Early detection dramatically reduces treatment duration and associated costs.
Ideal Users
Farm Types: Commercial dairy operations with indoor housing
Herd Size: Herds of 200+ cows where manual lameness scoring is impractical on a daily basis
Roles: Herd managers, hoof trimmers, veterinarians, farm owners
Main Features
AI-Powered Gait Analysis
Computer vision algorithms analyze cow walking patterns to detect subtle locomotion changes indicating developing lameness
Continuous 24/7 Monitoring
Monitors each cow's locomotion at every milking (multiple times daily) without relying on manual visual checks
Early Detection Alerts
Provides actionable alerts showing which cows need intervention before lameness becomes severe
Objective Locomotion Scores
Eliminates human subjectivity and inconsistency in lameness scoring with automated, consistent assessments
Priority Action Lists
Simple list-based interface highlighting cows requiring attention, prioritized by severity
Advanced Features
Platform Integration
Seamlessly integrates with Nedap Cow Control platform including SmartTags, behavior monitoring, and production tracking
Herd Management Sync
Compatible with most herd management software systems for automated data transfer
Trend Analysis
Tracks locomotion changes over time to identify patterns and predict future issues
Data and Integrations
Integrates With: Nedap Cow Control platform, most major herd management software systems
Data Flows: Locomotion scores automatically sync to herd management systems for action lists and historical tracking
Implementation
Timeline: Camera installation and calibration typically 1-2 days; AI optimization ongoing as system learns farm-specific patterns
Infrastructure: Overhead camera mounting points, network connectivity, adequate lighting in monitored areas
Installation: Professional installation by Nedap certified partners
Tips
Training and Support
Training: System training, dashboard navigation, alert response protocols, integration configuration
Support: Nedap global support network, remote diagnostics, software updates with improved AI models
Pricing
Model: Hardware purchase plus software subscription
ROI: Early intervention reduces lameness duration by 40 days on average. $45 savings per cow per year ($22,500 annual savings for 500-cow herd). Each lameness incident costs approximately $336.
Pros and Limitations
Strengths
Limitations
Best For
Not Ideal For
Evaluation Questions
Key Features
- Continuous Locomotion Monitoring: Fixed cameras in alleys observe cows walking frequently throughout the day, not just at milking
- Multi-Sensor Fusion: Can combine data from accelerometers or thermal cameras to enhance detection accuracy
- Subtle Gait Detection: AI recognizes shorter stride, arched back, and other early indicators of limb pain
- Multiple Daily Updates: Locomotion scores updated multiple times per day for timely intervention
- Actionable Lists: Farmers get prioritized lists of cows needing hoof inspection or treatment
Advanced Features
- Digital Twin Concept: Combines visual data with existing cow data platform for complete picture of each cow's status
- Thermal Camera Fusion: Can integrate thermal imaging for enhanced detection
- Third-Party Compatibility: Works with DairyComp and TMR systems beyond Nedap ecosystem
Ideal For
Farm Types: Mid to large freestall dairies, Farms using Nedap CowControl ecosystem, Technology-forward operations
Competitive Advantages
What sets Nedap SmartSight Locomotion Monitoring apart from alternatives:
- AI trained on millions of data points from real farms
- Launched in US and Ireland markets 2025
- Complements existing Nedap CowControl ecosystem
- Multi-sensor fusion capability for enhanced accuracy
- 1-3 year payback preventing $300+ per lameness case
Pricing Information
Here is the pricing information for Nedap SmartSight Locomotion Monitoring:
Initial investment $10,000-$50,000 depending on barn size and cameras. Ongoing software subscription. Modular pricing for farms with existing Nedap CowControl. Fast payback (1-3 years) by preventing lameness cases averaging $300+ each.
Pricing Model: Turnkey solution via Nedap distributors
Pros & Considerations
- Detects lameness weeks before visible to human eye
- Continuous automated monitoring at every milking
- Objective consistent scoring without human variability
- Integrates with Nedap ecosystem and other platforms
- Proven accuracy from years of commercial farm testing
- Requires indoor barn setup with camera mounting points
- Initial investment in camera hardware
- Optimal performance requires good lighting conditions
ROI & Value Proposition
Understanding the return on investment for Nedap SmartSight Locomotion Monitoring:
Prevents costly lameness cases averaging $300+ each through early detection. Fast payback of 1-3 years. Reduces severe lameness and production loss.
Implementation & Setup
How to implement Nedap SmartSight Locomotion Monitoring on your dairy operation:
Implementation Timeline: Camera installation and calibration typically 1-2 days; AI optimization ongoing as system learns farm-specific patterns
Training & Support
Training and support options available for Nedap SmartSight Locomotion Monitoring:
Evaluation Questions
Key questions to consider when evaluating Nedap SmartSight Locomotion Monitoring:
- What is our current lameness prevalence and detection rate?
- Do we have suitable camera mounting locations in cow traffic areas?
- What is our network infrastructure in barn areas?
- How do we currently coordinate with hoof trimmers?
- Are we using Nedap Cow Control or compatible herd management software?