Robo-dog barks up right tree for forest project
IT’S the dog that never needs walking and prefers (computer) chips to teatime treats.
Experts at Birmingham City University have designed a robotic dog – but it may still be a man’s best friend.
A far cry from the K9 creation in 1970s episodes of Doctor Who, it features sensors, in-built cameras and impressive movement – and can even jump over a log just like its real-life equivalent.
The four-legged machine is part of the world’s first 5G Connected Forest project.
It will collect and transfer data on trees, wildlife, insects and wildfires and potentially track lost visitors in Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire.
An accompanying drone will also fly overhead to assist the pup.
Spearheaded by Nottinghamshire County Council and £5 million funding from the Government’s Rural Connected Communities programme, the project is aimed at boosting tourism and protecting the environment in the legendary Robin Hood country.
Local school children aged five to 11 will have the chance to officially name the robot dog.
Dr Moad Idrissi, research associate and robotics expert at BCU, was thrilled with the project, saying: “Sherwood Forest does not have smooth land so we believed a four legged dog design would work.
“The formation helps it walk in different terrains and move autonomously. The 5G will help it transfer the data it collects faster to the ground station.
“It has an in-built trajectory that keeps it on track while data is collected, obstacle avoidance and
detection will also be implemented.
“Forest rangers cannot get everywhere but the robot dog can.
“In future we can also get it to speak to visitors through AI or relay a ranger’s voice wirelessly to someone who is lost in the forest.
‘‘It has been so exciting and we are truly confident in this.”
Birmingham City University associate professor Taufiq Asyhari said: “We are thrilled to be able to showcase some of the high-end AI, computing and other cutting edge network and interactive technologies, which are helping to drive the 5G Connected Forest project.
“Our robot dog will support the duties of forest rangers to collect various data within forestry surrounding environments.”