AUTOMATED REMOVAL OF ANIMAL CARCASSES

Device (1) and method for removing animal carcasses from an animal housing facility. The device (1) comprises a manipulator (8) for collecting a dead animal when the manipulator (8) is located in a predetermined relative position with respect to the dead animal, an actuator (2) for moving the manipulator (8) inside the animal housing facility, a camera (7) to identify and locate the dead animal, and a processor (6). The processor (6) is adapted for controlling the actuator (2) to move to a target position indicative of a rough position of the dead animal in the animal housing facility, and, when said target position is reached, identifying and locating the dead animal using said camera (7). Then, the processor (6) steers the actuator (2) to a precise position of the located dead animal, such that the manipulator (8) is brought into the predetermined relative position with respect to the dead animal. Then, the processor (6) controls the manipulator (8) such as to collect the dead animal with the manipulator (8), controls the actuator (2) to move to a predetermined disposal location and deposits the dead animal at the disposal location.