Sentra
Training a search and rescue (SAR) dog requires significant time, cost, and effort, so handlers often struggle to balance decision making with tracking performance. Existing tools provide only limited support, making it difficult to fully understand a dog’s behavior and training progress. This project introduces a smart collar that provides deeper insights into canine behavior, supporting more effective training for critical rescue situations.
PROJECT DETAILS
Roles
UX Designer / UX Researcher / UI Designer
Duration
10 Weeks
Team
Juhui Jung / Ana Durrego / Hyunsoo Eun
Tools
Rhino / Keyshot / Figma
The Problem
Problem Statement
SAR dog training is complex and resource intensive, yet handlers lack real time feedback and insight into subtle canine behaviors limiting performance in both training and real world rescue scenarios.
How Might We…
How might we design a system that gives SAR handlers real time, data driven insights into their dog’s behavior to enhance training and rescue performance?
Our Goal
Design a smart collar for SAR dogs
Deliver real time behavioral insights
Support better training decisions
Improve performance in training and
rescue scenarios
Research
Secondary Research Insights
Heavy reliance on manual observation
Existing tools lack behavioral insights
High cognitive load impacts decision making
Few technologies designed for working dogs
Growing interest in AI, but limited practical solutions
Primary Research
We performed rapid prototyping and Wizard of Oz tests to explore how handlers interact with AI powered dog training necklaces in real world situation by simulating AI responses and observing user behavior during step-by-step SAR tasks, we gained valuable insights into the importance of user expectation, cognitive load, tone, timing, and control.
Opportunity Area
Modular Scalability
Cross-sector Applications
Partnership potential
Solution / Concept
Introduce Sentra
Sentra is an AI powered training system designed to SAR dog handlers. It combines a smart wearable collar, AI-driven feedback, and supporting tools to enable real time decision making, behavior tracking and post session analysis.
Through iteration, we integrated key technologies while balancing hardware constraints with comfort, durability, and usability for real world training.
Solution
Behavior Tracking - Monitors hesitation, pointing, barking, and pace changes to gauge focus and fatigue.
Portable Scent Emitter - A scent training toy where handlers can place treats or personal items to help dogs practice finding specific scents during training.
Intuitive Handler Interface - Offers live alerts via light, vibration or audio
Adoptive AI Coaching - Analyzes session data and suggests next steps such as adding wind or raising scent difficulty to keep training effective.
Final Concept / Products
Smart Collar
Apple Watch
Phone Application
Training Device
Drone
Final Products / UI Design
Product
Portable Scent Emitter
Key Features
Silicone Lid
Handle
Washable
How To Use?
For scent based training, place treats or personal items in the device, hide it, and prompt the SAR dog to locate them.
Product
Smart Collar
Key Features
Behavior Tracking
GPS
Status Light
Detachable Battery / Charing Port
Camera
Speaker/mic
How To Use?
Turn on the device, connect it to a phone or watch, and attach it to the dog. Monitor real time data and use the built in microphone for communication when direct access is limited.
Product
Intuitive Handler Interface
Key Features
Distance Alert
AI Solution
GPS / Voice Call
Current Progress
Live Monitoring
Hydration & Breaktime Alert
Warning (Send the drone)
How To Use?
Open the Sentra app, connect it to the phone and smart collar, and select options from the menu based on the training scenario.
Product
Sentra Done
Key Features
Camera
GPS
How To Use?
During training, if the SAR dog is in a critical situation, needs environmental awareness, or strays from the route, the system can be used through a connected watch or phone.
Product
Sentra Mobile App
Key Features
Scheduled Training
Show dog's condition
Direct Insights
Significant Alert
Battery Status
AI Assistant
How To Use?
Download the Sentra app on your phone to review progress before training and monitor real time insights throughout each session.