Scientists are pitting 'ram vs machine' at this year's Ekka, as part of a project exploring new applications for robotics in agriculture.
The University of the Sunshine Coast student project is trialling the use of robotic dogs to herd sheep - just like their canine cousins - while assessing how the animals and machines interact.
Demonstrations of these wag-ricultural machines in action, will be held in the Ekka's Main Arena from August 13 through to August 16.
Dr David Alonso-Caneir with Mechatronic student Phillip Halloran
Mechatronics Senior Lecturer Dr David Alonso-Caneiro, says the long-term view is to establish the feasibility of one day using similar machines as fully autonomous tools on farms.
"At present we're manually controlling the robo-dogs while we understand how they navigate complex terrain and gather data from their on-board sensors on how the sheep move and respond to them," he said.
"Eventually we plan to translate that information into code that will operate with AI-based decision-making software and allow them to detect, track and herd sheep without the need for human assistance."
While the research team has mechatronics and coding covered, they've brought in some outside expertise to help them understand how to herd sheep.
"We've been guided by the advice of dog trainers and farmers along the way, and that input has been invaluable," Dr Alonso-Caneiro said.
The project also forms part of fourth-year UniSC Bachelor of Mechatronic Engineering student Phillip Halloran's Honours program.
He said it had provided valuable experience outside the classroom context and he had relished every opportunity and challenge the project has thrown his way.
"I'm learning so much on this project that's informing what direction we want to take the software and what considerations we need to factor in to make it viable on a farm."
"There are challenges too - like network issues in rural environments and the unpredictably of live animals - but it's about working through that and testing your systems to see how it's comes together.
"Who would have thought I'd end up on a farm when I started my engineering degree - surrounded by sheep and working with robots!"
