Japanese robot-wolf to protect farms
Technology could help keep animals out of Japan's farms. Engineers have made the "Super Monster Wolf" to scare away wild animals. The solar-powered scarecrow robot looks real. It has wolf-like hair, scary teeth and red eyes. It also has 48 different wolf howls so animals can't get used to it. Super Monster Wolf will keep wild boar and deer out of rice paddies, farms and fruit orchards. Farmers lose millions of dollars every year because of hungry animals. Japan's agricultural association tested the Super Monster Wolf in nine places. It said the robot really reduced crop losses and was better than electric fences at keeping animals out. The robot senses movement up to one kilometre away. The 65cm-long robot will be sold from next month. The price is $4,800 but farmers can rent it by the month. Japan's farmers hope this new electronic wolf will stop wild animals eating their crops. |