An Exploratory Study on the Use of Robot Dogs in Shepherding

Shepherding is a skill which can take sheepdogs anywhere from three months to three years to learn, and can cost shepherds tens of thousands of pounds. This study explores the potential of robot sheepdogs, which could be as low as £1600. Using expert observations from farm managers the study assesses the efficacy of BostonDynamics Spot at shepherding. Observations from the three field trials showed potential for the robot in maintaining the flock whilst in motion, dynamically adjusting the flock's flight distance with indirect eye contact, and eliciting pressure in collaboration with a sheepdog, to move the sheep into their pens.