SwagBot is a Cow Herding Robot
Posted on July 19, 2016
Researchers at the Australian Centre for Field Robotics (ACFR) at the University of Sydney are developing a robot called SwagBot. The robot is an autonomous cattle-herding robot. The robot is capable of navigating rugged terrain as it monitors cows and pastures.
Modern Farmer reports that the robot could use its sensors to determine if a cow is ill or injured. It can also help monitor the condition of the grass in the fields the cows eat.
The video below shows the first field test of SwagBot from ACFR. SwagBot finally encounters some cows around the 5 minute mark in the video below. Not surprisingly, the cows are frightened of the strange, noisy four wheeled robot. They move out of its way and also keep a very close eye on it. Take a look: