With its four wheels and striking red appearance, SwagBot is far from being an ordinary cow.
Researchers at the University of Sydney are developing this autonomous robot to become the world’s first ‘smart cow,’ aiming to enhance cattle farming efficiency and sustainability. Initially introduced in 2016 as a simple herding robot capable of navigating rough terrain, SwagBot now incorporates sensors, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning technologies.
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The battery-operated robot can assess the health, type, and density of pastures while monitoring livestock well-being. Using this data, SwagBot autonomously herds cattle to optimal grazing areas, preventing overgrazing and soil degradation, while providing real-time information to farmers.
According to Salah Sukkarieh, a University of Sydney professor leading the project, the robot helps guide livestock to areas rich in protein and carbohydrates without relying on fences. Once the cattle adapt, they naturally follow SwagBot to ideal pastures.
Australia, as a leading beef exporter with 30 million cattle spread across vast, often dry landscapes, faces challenges such as poor pastures and limited grazing control. Overgrazing can degrade soil, reducing biodiversity and productivity.
Farmers like Erin O’Neill, who attended a demonstration of SwagBot, see its potential to revolutionize grazing management. She highlighted its ability to provide detailed, real-time insights into pasture quality, which is particularly vital for pregnant cattle needing high-nutrition feed.
Still under development, SwagBot is part of a growing movement towards agricultural robotics, designed to improve efficiency and address labor shortages in remote areas like Australia.
