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Dedicated to protecting the Kiwi population from uncontrolled dogs, a researcher unveiled a revolutionary innovation that surpasses previous models, with a team of students from Canterbury collaborating with the Kiwi’s conservation group to develop the “Robo Kiwi”. Currently in testing, it aims to deter dog predation that accounts for 70% of kiwi fatalities and crucially enhance the well-being and survival of these cherished avian species.
Incorporating his technological expertise, Rob Whitton played a pivotal role in the project by emphasising the value of Robo Kiwi’s lifelike movements. According to him, this realistic motion has proven instrumental in training dogs to steer clear of the kiwi birds instinctively steer clear of the kiwi birds.
Unlike traditional static training props, Robo Kiwi introduces lifelike movements and interactivity. The technology lets trainers remotely activate the Robo Kiwi’s movements, enabling real-time corrections when dogs interact.
A collaborative endeavour between a group of diligent students from Canterbury and the Kiwi’s conservation group, the project centres around creating a groundbreaking tool: the Robo Kiwi. This innovative concept has been engineered to dissuade dogs from engaging in aggressive behaviours towards the national bird, mitigating the tragic loss of these avian treasures.
Currently, dog owners have the option to enrol their pets in kiwi avoidance training. Whitton elucidated, “The objective is to expose the dog to an object it perceives as a kiwi and then apply corrective measures to form an association that deters interaction with the kiwi, ultimately leading to avoidance.”
However, he acknowledges that the current method employs a static, taxidermied kiwi to train dogs to avoid the birds. In contrast, Robo Kiwi’s dynamic movements simulate a more authentic encounter, making the learning experience more realistic and practical for the dogs. This innovative approach is a testament to the progressive strides in conservation efforts to protect New Zealand’s cherished Kiwi population.
To enhance the effectiveness of kiwi avoidance training for dogs, Rob Whitton, leveraging his technological expertise at the government research institute Scion, explains the rationale behind their innovative creation. During training, dogs must engage with a training prop that simulates a kiwi encounter.
Whitton highlighted a pressing issue encountered during the training sessions – certain dogs did not interact with the static Kiwi prop, rendering them untrainable. This predicament underscored the need for a more engaging and modern approach. The scarcity of taxidermied kiwi specimens, shared among different locations, posed a logistical challenge.
Introducing the Robo Kiwi, a pioneering concept incorporating lifelike movements, making it far more realistic and enticing for dogs. By utilising digital mechanisms to simulate realistic interactions and responses, Robo Kiwi seeks to achieve more effective training outcomes, bridging the gap between technology and conservation efforts.
Operated by a trainer, the Robo Kiwi can be triggered when a dog approaches, enabling corrective measures to be administered when interaction occurs. This mechanism involves the dog wearing a collar, resulting in an uncomfortable sensation upon receiving a correction. Beyond its immediate use in training, the Robo Kiwi could provide a standardised tool for dog trainers, ensuring consistency.
Whitton envisioned a broader application for Robo Kiwi, aspiring to utilise it for nationwide dog training initiatives. The overarching goal is to foster more effective responses from dogs during training sessions, thereby enhancing the overall effectiveness of conservation efforts.