In a recent innovation, a team of product designers from Cambridge Industrial Design has leveraged **3D printing technology** to develop an advanced tracking collar for cows. This smart cow collar, despite its simple plastic appearance, integrates cutting-edge IoT (Internet of Things) capabilities, revolutionizing the way farmers monitor their livestock.
Commissioned by True North Technologies, the device tracks the movement and daily activities of cows in real time. Through a mobile GSM network, herders can access detailed information about their herd, which is then sent to a central system for analysis. This data helps optimize grazing patterns and improve milk production efficiency.
One of the standout features is the "virtual electric fence" function. Using the collar's built-in bell, it alerts cows when they move beyond a designated area, guiding them back to a pre-set pasture. This eliminates the need for physical fences and manual monitoring.
The collar was developed through a collaborative effort between Ireland’s Teagasc agricultural research institute, France’s Laval Institute, and Switzerland’s Agroscope. It’s designed as a GPS-enabled bell that captures not only grazing behavior but also social interactions and physiological activities like rumination.
Tim Evans, design director at Cambridge Industrial Design, explained that the inspiration came from traditional Alpine cowbells. The rounded shape ensures durability while keeping the collar compact and easy to handle. “It needs to withstand collisions with fences and feeding troughs, and be simple for farmers to clean and recharge,†he said.
The collar is made from glass-filled nylon and manufactured using selective laser sintering (SLS), a 3D printing technique that allows for rapid prototyping and customization. This flexibility enables the design team to test and refine the product on-site.
Patrick Halton, Director of Technology and Management at True North Technologies, emphasized the importance of combining GPS technology with innovative design. “This solution offers a durable and smart tool for farmers to manage their operations more efficiently,†he added.
Based in Shannon, Ireland, True North Technologies specializes in developing new agricultural technologies. Over the past few years, the company has worked closely with Teagasc to create advanced solutions for the livestock industry, further demonstrating the growing role of technology in modern farming.
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