Robots could be used in the future to round up cows on dairy farms, according to researchers.
A four-wheeled device, known as Rover, has been tested by a team at Sydney University. It was used to move a herd of cows from a field to a dairy.
Researchers were amazed at how easily cows accepted the presence of the robot.
They were not fazed by it and the herding process was calm and effective, they said.
Because the robot moved in a steady manner it allowed cows to move at their own speed which was important in reducing lameness among cattle, Dr Kendra Kerrisk, dairy researcher and associate professor, told the BBC.
Robots are already used in the milking process but the team wanted to see if they could be used in other areas of dairy farming.
The robot was adapted from one that was already being used to monitor fruit and trees on farms. A team at Sydney University’s Centre for Field Robotics modified the robot so that it could be put in a field with cows in order for the researchers to gather data on robot-bovine interaction.
The prototype needs to be operated by a human but it’s hoped that in the future a version can be developed that will be fully automated.
Extremely excited
As well as herding cows a new version could also collect information useful for farmers.
According to the research team, the robot could be used at night to move slowly through the maternity paddock monitoring cows that are due to calve. It could also be used to gather data on soil and detect problems with electric fences.
Go deeper with Bing News on:
Robots
- Zombies, robots and big unknowns lurk as the U.S. economy recovers from pandemicon April 22, 2021 at 12:14 pm
Some unanswered questions about the U.S. economy post-pandemic could set off a chain of consequences like dominos and impact career and investment goals ...
- Hong Kong robots help autistic children boost social skillson April 22, 2021 at 11:09 am
A Hong Kong professor has developed an educational program using role-playing robots to help children with autism improve their social skills, part of an initiative adopted by non-profit groups ...
- Robots are becoming more human-looking thanks to the pandemicon April 22, 2021 at 6:21 am
Some companies are turning to lifelike robots to take people's temperature, deliver food and interact with customers.
- Seth Rogen told Jonah Hill to turn down 'Transformers' and make his own movie about fighting robotson April 22, 2021 at 4:31 am
Jonah Hill was offered the role of Shia LaBeouf's sidekick in the "Transformers" sequel following the success of "Superbad." ...
- Robots help autistic children boost social skillson April 22, 2021 at 4:15 am
These robots are helping autistic childrenboost their social skills through role playLocation: Hong KongRobot for Autism Behavioral Intervention (RABI) {arrow pointing at the robot}ROBOT "SCREAMING" ...
Go deeper with Google Headlines on:
Robots
Go deeper with Bing News on:
Robot used to round up cows
- Is the shine starting to fade on audio-only social media upstart Clubhouse?on April 22, 2021 at 2:40 pm
I switched from Android to iPhone in February, and my first order of business was to download the talk-of-the-town app Clubhouse, an audio-only social media platform solely available on iOS. But after ...
- Rocket Lab to run mission control for cow-burp tracking methane satelliteon April 22, 2021 at 2:00 pm
University of Auckland will take over mission control of the "flying robot" after a year, pointing it at areas of interest around the world to detect gas leaks and cow burps.
- Museum of Agriculture to offer Camp Wiregrass on site or at home this summeron April 22, 2021 at 12:12 pm
Exploring worlds of old and new, creating crystals, making solar powered s'mores, and learning to use a compass are a few of the activities that children can enjoy during Camp Wiregrass sessions this ...
- Farmers have more mouths to feed. Bring in the robots.on April 22, 2021 at 2:00 am
Start-ups like Bear Flag Robotics are working to bring computer vision to tried-and-true tractors already on the market. It all contributes to what’s known as precision agriculture, where farmers use ...
- Animals farmed: heat stress, happy cows and foie gras banson April 14, 2021 at 3:16 am
Welcome to our monthly roundup of the biggest issues in farming and food production ... Carton Bros, Ireland’s largest poultry processor, have said routine tests raised the possible use of ...
Go deeper with Google Headlines on:
Robot used to round up cows