The new lab will create an additional 20 jobs in research and development and will focus on GEA’s AI livestock solution, CattleEye and related digital products of GEA for farms.
The pioneering AI solution is engineered to quickly detect and predict lameness in cows and to provide critical data to assess the body condition score.
Today, the system is used in over 140 farms across Australia, Europe, the UK and the US, monitoring over 200,000 cattle in 23 countries.
The CattleEye software is part of GEA’s DairyNet portfolio for modern herd management.
CEO of GEA farm technologies Andreas Seeringer said improving animal health and well‑ being through AI‑ based solutions like CattleEye, create efficient, sustainable and ultimately more profitable dairy farms.
“With our new software lab in Belfast, GEA is strengthening its role as a technology leader in digital dairy farming,”.
Dairy farming expertise from Northern Ireland
Following the acquisition of the company CattleEye by GEA in 2024, the system has already added important capabilities to the extensive next-generation farming portfolio.
The expansion will enable new technical opportunities of the system and further AI integration.
Northern Ireland with its strong dairy farming culture and an emerging tech scene, is a stronghold in the broader digitisation strategy of GEA.
CattleEye co-founder and senior director at GEA Terry Canning said the new software lab will be a significant milestone in integrating CattleEye.
“In the future, farmers can expect features which help reduce additional investments in equipment and necessary animal treatments.
“It will also help customers to farm more efficiently and cut greenhouse gas emissions through automated data insights,” Terry said.
With the new software lab, the CattleEye team is expanding with 20 new software and UX roles in Northern Ireland.
The new team will improve efficiency and user experience of the GEA Dairy Net App.
“I am confident this investment will drive further growth in the future.
“We are grateful to have Invest Northern Ireland at our side, sharing our commitment to advancing AI capabilities and supporting talent development,” Terry said.
Invest NI shows confidence in AI development with substantial funding
Northern Ireland 's regional economic development agency Invest NI has offered financial support towards the new software lab.
During the official opening, Vicky Kell, director of innovation, research and development at Invest NI, said this investment is a vote of confidence in the talent, infrastructure and capabilities in Northern Ireland.
“The benefits of investing in R&D are rich, and the CattleEye solution is a testament to how R&D can further develop innovative products which can drive competitiveness in the global agri-tech market,” Vicky said.
Special offer for Australian Farmers
GEA is offering selected dairy farms access to a free three‑month CattleEye subscription.
The program includes camera hardware, software subscription and system support at no cost, allowing farmers to experience AI‑driven monitoring of cow mobility and body condition in real‑world farm environments.
This initiative reflects GEA’s commitment to translating global software innovation into practical, on‑farm benefits for dairy producers.
Contact your local GEA dealer or call 0428 445 472 for more details.
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