China Expands AI-Powered Pet Technology with Innovative Smart Devices

China's smart pet care market is rapidly expanding as growing consumer demand and advances in artificial intelligence (AI) drive the development of increasingly sophisticated pet technology.

According to the Belt and Road News Network (BRNN), cited by TV BRICS, the number of cats and dogs living in China's urban areas exceeded 126 million by 2025, while the country's pet care market reached an estimated value of US$46 billion.

At a major pet products exhibition held in Shanghai this spring, companies showcased a wide range of AI-powered innovations, including smart cameras, automated feeders, intelligent water dispensers, and robotic pet companions.

Among the standout products is a facial recognition-enabled pet feeder that creates individual profiles for each pet after registration, allowing owners to monitor feeding habits remotely through a mobile application.

"I can see when and how much each cat has eaten, even when I'm away on business," said Wang, a cat owner who uses the AI-powered feeder. "The app also lets me check how much food remains in the device."

Smart wearable technology for pets is also becoming more advanced. AI-enabled collars can continuously track a pet's activity, sleep patterns, and heart rate, sending instant alerts to owners if abnormal health indicators are detected.

Some manufacturers have introduced integrated smart ecosystems featuring AI-powered water bowls that recognize drinking behavior, food bowls capable of detecting feeding irregularities, and cat litter boxes equipped with facial recognition and waste analysis. All devices are connected through a centralized platform that monitors pets' health in real time.

Chinese technology companies have even developed a smartphone designed specifically for pets. The device combines communication, safety, and health-monitoring features, allowing owners to interact with their pets remotely, issue training commands, track their location using GPS, and view the animal's surroundings through an onboard camera.

As AI technology continues to evolve, China's smart pet industry is moving beyond automated feeding and basic health monitoring toward creating fully interactive digital ecosystems that strengthen the relationship between pets and their owners.