The cat door with prey detection, developed by Flappie Technologies, aims to solve a common problem faced by cat owners - their cats bringing in unwanted types of prey such as birds, mice, and snakes. This smart solution not only addresses the problem of dealing with unwanted gifts brought by cats but also helps prevent the spread of diseases and possible harm to both pets and humans.
This idea was born out of personal experience, as the co-founder and CTO, Oliver Widler, had cats and encountered the issue of dealing with the prey they brought home. The development of this technology involved the integration of computer vision AI, allowing for the automatic detection of prey when the cat comes to the door. This makes sure that the cat is not allowed inside until it drops the prey, eliminating the need for human intervention.
The cat door with prey detection offers several key features that set it apart from other cat doors. These include chip detection to ensure that only the designated cat can enter, a sleek design with manual locking controls, and a motion detector and camera for prey detection. By using these features, Flappie Technologies has created an easy and efficient solution for cat owners to manage their pets' hunting instincts.
The market potential for the cat door with prey detection is significant, especially in countries where outdoor cats are prevalent. In Switzerland alone, cats are responsible for killing millions of birds each year, leading to environmental concerns and potential health risks. With over 15 million households in Switzerland and Germany owning cats, the demand for a solution like a cat door with prey detection is evident.
Flappie Technologies has already made significant progress in the development of the cat door with prey detection, with a successful crowdfunding campaign and pre-sales in Switzerland, Germany, and Austria. The company is self-funded and is currently in the industrialization phase, aiming to launch the product in late spring of 2024. With plans to expand to the US market and beyond, Flappie Technologies is poised to make a significant impact in the pet technology industry.
Flappie Technologies is an innovative home security product that offers a unique solution for cat owners looking to protect their homes from unwanted prey brought in by their feline companions. The product features a cat door with prey detection technology that can detect when a cat is carrying a prey item, such as a rodent, and prevent the cat from entering the house until the prey is dropped.
One of the key features of Flappie Technologies is its ability to process the prey detection locally, ensuring fast and accurate detection regardless of the quality of the internet connection. This ensures that the cat is not locked out of the house due to internet issues, maintaining the training and behavior of the cat. Additionally, the product can operate without an internet connection, although some features may be limited in this mode.
The Flappie Technologies cat door comes with a one-time investment price of 370 Swiss francs during the presale period, with a retail price of 399 Swiss francs. The product is designed to last for five to ten years, making it a long-term investment for cat owners. The prey detection feature is provided free of charge, with updates and new models available when connected to the internet.
In addition to prey detection, Flappie Technologies offers additional features such as gate analysis for cats' health monitoring, which may be available as subscription-based services in the future. The product is designed to provide a comprehensive solution for cat owners looking to manage their pets' hunting instincts while ensuring a safe and clean living environment.
In conclusion, the cat door with prey detection is a groundbreaking innovation that addresses a common problem faced by cat owners worldwide. By leveraging advanced technologies and a user-centric design, Flappie Technologies has created a solution that not only enhances the safety and well-being of pets but also provides peace of mind for owners. As the product prepares for its market launch, it is poised to revolutionize the way cat owners manage their pets' hunting instincts and ensure a cleaner and safer living environment for all.
Overall, Flappie Technologies represents a significant advancement in home security for cat owners, offering a practical and effective solution for managing pets' behavior and enhancing the safety of the home. With its innovative technology and user-friendly design, Flappie Technologies is set to revolutionize the way cat owners protect their homes and ensure the well-being of their beloved feline companions.
Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology.
Scott is a developer who has worked on projects of varying sizes, including all of the PLUGHITZ Corporation properties. He is also known in the gaming world for his time supporting the rhythm game community, through DDRLover and hosting tournaments throughout the Tampa Bay Area. Currently, when he is not working on software projects or hosting F5 Live: Refreshing Technology, Scott can often be found returning to his high school days working with the Foundation for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST), mentoring teams and helping with ROBOTICON Tampa Bay. He has also helped found a student software learning group, the ASCII Warriors, currently housed at AMRoC Fab Lab.
Nancy's background is in cosmetology, but has always had an interest in stage and production. She spent many years on-stage and behind the scenes in local theater, doing makeup, crafting beards, and helping with costuming. Today, she continues that passion as an associate producer and episode author for PLUGHITZ Live events, such as CES and Collision.
