INDIGO Project – Innovative Digital Platform for Optimizing Production Processes on Dairy Farms

Gauss d.o.o., in cooperation with the Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek, is implementing the INDIGO – Innovative Digital Platform for Optimizing Production Processes on Dairy Farms project.

The project focuses on developing a digital platform and device for the early, non-invasive detection of mastitis and lameness – two of the most common health issues on dairy farms.

By combining advanced imaging technologies, artificial intelligence, and a digital platform, the aim is to enable the timely identification of potential health issues and provide farmers with data that can support faster and better-informed decision-making.

How will INDIGO work?

The system combines infrared and visual cameras installed along the passage leading to the milking parlour with artificial intelligence models for processing and analysing the collected data.

This approach enables animals to be monitored without disrupting their normal movement or day-to-day farm operations.

The collected data will be analysed using artificial intelligence models to identify changes that may indicate mastitis or lameness. Relevant information and alerts will be available to users through web and mobile interfaces.

In this way, INDIGO brings together a physical device, data, and a software platform into a single system designed to support animal health management and production processes on dairy farms.

From research to on-farm testing

The project runs for three years and includes both industrial research and experimental development.

During the first phase, the methodology, imaging protocols, and standards are defined, while the core models required for further system development are created.

During the second and third years, the device and digital platform will be tested on several pilot farms. Genotyping is also included in the research as a covariate, further expanding the dataset used for model development and evaluation.

The collaboration between Gauss and the Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek brings together the technological and research expertise required to develop the solution and test it under real-world conditions.

Technology focused on tangible value for farms

The development of the INDIGO system is focused on several specific objectives:

• earlier identification of potential animal health issues

• increased productivity on dairy farms

• reduced treatment costs

• reduced use of antibiotics

• improved animal welfare

• better data-driven decision-making.

The project will result in an innovative product combining a digital platform and an IR device. Following completion of the project, commercialization is planned, with potential applications in both domestic and international markets.

Key project information

Project title: INDIGO – Innovative Digital Platform for Optimizing Production Processes on Dairy Farms Project code: PK.1.1.12.0053 Programme: Competitiveness and Cohesion Programme 2021–2027

Grant beneficiary: Gauss d.o.o. Vukovarska cesta 30, 31000 Osijek, Croatia

Project partner: Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek Ulica Vladimira Preloga 1, 31000 Osijek, Croatia

Implementation period: 1 March 2026 – 1 March 2029 Total project value: EUR 1,087,566.45 Total eligible project costs: EUR 1,081,219.60 European Union funding: EUR 630,824.94

The project is co-funded by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund, under the Competitiveness and Cohesion Programme 2021–2027.