SwagBot is not your typical cow—it’s a four-wheeled, red robot designed to help farmers. Developed by researchers at the University of Sydney, this AI-powered robot makes cattle farming more efficient and environmentally friendly.
First introduced in 2016 as a basic herding machine, SwagBot has since been upgraded with advanced technology like sensors, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning. It can now assess the health, type, and density of pasture while also monitoring livestock health.
Using this data, SwagBot herds cattle to the best grazing areas and prevents overgrazing, which can damage the soil. It also shares useful information with farmers. “Once cattle are used to the robot, they follow it around,” said Salah Sukkarieh, a professor at the University of Sydney. SwagBot helps guide cattle to nutritious pastures without needing fences.
Australia, a leading beef exporter with around 30 million cattle, faces challenges like dry landscapes and poor pastures. Overgrazing can harm the soil, making it less productive. SwagBot helps farmers manage grazing areas better, ensuring healthier soil and livestock.
For farmers like Erin O’Neill, SwagBot provides real-time data about pasture quality. This is especially helpful for pregnant cattle that need higher-quality food.
SwagBot is still in development, but it’s part of a growing trend in farming to use robots. These machines improve efficiency and reduce the need for workers, especially in remote areas like Australia. SwagBot is paving the way for a smarter, more sustainable future in agriculture.
Source: reuters
