Innovative Device Set to Transform Canine Health Diagnostics
At just 16 years old, Anshul Bhatt, a Class XI student from Dhirubhai Ambani International School in Mumbai, has made significant strides in veterinary science with his groundbreaking invention, PawPath. His journey began after observing his family’s Labrador, Max, suffering from late-stage arthritis. The lack of timely diagnosis inspired Anshul to develop a non-invasive gait monitoring device aimed at detecting orthopedic and neurodegenerative diseases in dogs.
PawPath addresses the limitations of current veterinary diagnostic methods, which often rely on subjective visual inspections or expensive setups requiring specialized equipment. Drawing on his research, Bhatt identified that dogs exhibit altered movement patterns in lab settings, leading to misdiagnosis. PawPath uses inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensors strapped to a dog’s limbs to gather motion data in a comfortable environment.
After initial trials with a wired prototype, Bhatt improved the design with a wireless system that transmits data via WiFi. This innovation not only enhances the dog’s comfort but also ensures accurate data collection. By utilizing advanced algorithms and machine learning models, he successfully detected gait anomalies, leading to a significant breakthrough when PawPath accurately indicated arthritis in a test dog.
Bhatt’s invention garnered second place in the Animal Sciences category at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair in May. The device, priced around ₹5,000, is poised for further development, including features like a smaller size for smaller breeds and extended battery life for continuous monitoring.
As Bhatt aims to refine PawPath, he envisions leveraging AI to interpret data for pet owners and veterinarians in simple language. His innovative work not only exemplifies the intersection of technology, biology, and mathematics but also illustrates substantial potential for advancing veterinary diagnostics.
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