Erica N. Feuerbacher

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Erica N. Feuerbacher’s research sits at the intersection of animal behavior, welfare science, and agricultural robotics, exploring how livestock interact with emerging technologies. Her most influential work investigates the acceptance and efficacy of autonomous pasture sanitation robots—machines designed to manage waste in grazing systems without human intervention. In her 2022 study, she demonstrated that cattle can adapt to and tolerate the presence of such robots, a critical finding for integrating automation into sustainable farming. Her 2023 follow-up compared autonomous versus manual control of these robots, revealing that autonomous operation can maintain sanitation standards while reducing labor demands. Though her citation counts are modest (2 each), these papers represent foundational steps in a niche but growing field: the ethical and practical design of animal-facing agricultural robots. Feuerbacher’s work is notable for centering the animals’ perspective—measuring behavioral acceptance rather than just technical performance—which positions her as a key voice in humane precision livestock farming. Her contributions are especially relevant for students and researchers interested in animal-computer interaction, welfare-centered engineering, and the future of low-stress livestock management.