Mechanical Animals – Robocow and Decoy Deer (Part 3)

Robots could be used as replacements for real animals for repetitive training scenarios and catching law-breakers. Does a robot calf sound like a better way to train a cutting horse than sending a real calf out of the chute to be chased-down 50 times a day? Does a robotic deer sound better than using a live deer as bait to catch a hunter doing something illegal? Read Part 1 and Part 2 of this series to get caught up on robotic animals, then continue on.

Robocow

The name Robocow may sound like something out of a science fiction movie, but according to a book authored by John Billingsley, it could become a reality.

A robotic calf would be helpful in the equestrian sport of cutting, where horse and rider teams control the movement of young cattle. An exciting, fast-paced sport, both horse and rider require training – which can wear out and desensitize actual calves. A robotic calf, on the other hand, would not get tired of repetitive actions. It could also be programmed to perform in specific ways that could be beneficial for a training program.

The Robocow's frame is a tricycle with front wheel drive. Sensors monitor the angles of the wheels. A remote control directs Robocow's movements and can record a sequential performance.

Decoy Deer

With fur-covered polyurethane bodies and robotic heads and tails, robotic deer are being used by game wardens across the U.S. The robots have tails that flip, heads that turn, and ears that flick.

The robotic deer, along with other animals like turkeys and mountain lions, are placed strategically by game wardens to tempt illegal hunters. Activities such as hunting deer at night with spotlights, shooting out of a vehicle window, and hunting out of season or without a license are all illegal. People who partake in such behaviors are often tempted by "the" deer standing fatefully by the side of the road – and upon shooting, can be ticketed by game wardens.

Fines for carrying loaded weapons in motor vehicles and hunting illegally at night run up to $1,200 and $2,400 – more than enough to cover the average $1,200 cost of a robotic decoy.

Does it work? In many cases, yes. My own neighbor was caught trying to shoot that perfect buck from his pickup's window. Why did he hunt from his vehicle? He was diabetic and had a hard time hiking through the woods. But the law's the law, and in the end, the deer had the last laugh.

Resources:

http://books.google.com/books?id=NmVXZnx-_3kC&pg=PA237&lpg=PA237&dq=robocow+training&source=bl&ots=XqwxunS_3A&sig=bap3Y3VsmxMPcdD1cTHQ4SACpEg&hl=en&ei=fkuxSYHhGOPetgeZ0_DEBw&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=3&ct=result

http://www.voanews.com/english/archive/2006-12/2006-12-20-voa34.cfm?CFID=131520036&CFTOKEN=76604703&jsessionid=8830f7a5d74449a27e302418336161b331e5