Livestock automation began with mechanical tools introduced about 100 years ago. Today, it has involved into modern precision livestock farming, driven by electronic identification, sensors, and even artificial intelligence. Some livestock automation systems comprise CAN/CANopen networks and others embed these networks in robots deployed in automated livestock facilities for a variety of purposes.

This is why CiA participates in the Eurotier 2026 trade show with a small booth (hall 13, stand B20) in Hanover, Germany. The exhibition will take place from November 10 to 13.

In pig farming, CAN-based networks are used to connect, for example, electronic sow feeders, dry and liquid feeding controllers, and water dispensers to a host controller. By collecting data from the sub-systems, the host controller can track individual animal’s feed intake curves, weight, and behavior. CAN-based networks also connect climate computers, temperature sensors, and ventilation modules. In addition, sorting gates and weighing devices use embedded CAN-based networks. Some automated pig farms use CAN-based HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning) systems. Embedded CAN networks are also suitable for other pig farming equipment, including food milling and mixing devices, lighting sub-systems and more. All these applications can share data via CAN and submit it to AI-driven monitoring and control systems. CAN-connected devices with embedded or edge AI capabilities can smartly process data even without cloud access.

Poultry breeders use CAN-based automation equipment for climate and feeding control. CAN connects modular sensor nodes – for example, those measuring temperature, humidity, and ammonia – to host controllers. CAN-based climate control systems regulate tunnel ventilation curtains, heaters, and cooling pads based on real-time feedback. CAN-based feed and water management systems record automated feed weighing, water consumption metrics and more. CAN-connected gateways are used for data logging and remote access to farm management systems.

In modern dairy and beef livestock automation, CAN-based networks serve as a backbone communication link between smart barns and autonomous (mobile) machines. CAN/CANopen-based networks are also embedded in robotic milking systems (RMS), automated total mixed ration (TMR) mixers, and feed-pushing robots. Some mobile robots use J1939 as a higher-layer protocol for CAN-based communication.

Static livestock equipment uses CAN networks to aggregate data and adjust environment variables on the fly. Applications include multi-point weight sensing, recording a cow's weight as it approaches a feeder, and managing individual dosing. CAN-based networks are also used to integrate automated ventilation, safety switches, and livestock-waste fume-monitoring sensors into a unified dashboard.

The ISO/TC 347 standardizes data-driven agrifood systems, including livestock automation equipment. From the beginning, CiA has established a liaison with ISO/TC 347. CiA staff represents the CiA community within the technical committee. CiA members are invited to submit their requirements and demands. They may also establish a CiA working group to support CiA staff, participating in ISO meetings. This approach can help livestock automation providers and their suppliers share the financial and human resources required to contribute effectively to international standardization.