Combining the age-old livelihood of farming with the newest in satellite technology, armies of “CyborGoats” have been unleashed across the nation of Norway.
No need to hide under a bridge. There are no robotic rams shooting laser beams at grouchy old trolls. CyborGoats are simply goats equipped with state-of-the-art GPS collars, utilizing cellular and blue tooth technologies. The human in charge of the goats uses an app on their cell phone to track each creature, and most importantly to set digital boundaries for their herds. If a goat strays outside the prescribed longitude and latitude, their collar will start to beep. If the animal ignores the warning and remains outside the boundaries too long, the beeping continues and they will receive a small electric shock. Goats are very smart. They have adapted to the new collars quickly, though many enjoy the challenge of grazing just outside the digital lines, leaping back to safety at the very last moment.
Over 2,400 farmers in Norway have taken advantage of this new technology, which has revolutionized their profession. If an area is in danger of being overgrazed, new virtual boundaries can be set with the app, which is especially helpful in the most mountainous regions. Based on their movements, a caretaker can tell if an animal is stuck or is being chased by a predator. Wayward goats can be located easily for a quick and effective rescue.
With digital fencing in place, CyborGoats are now being rented to municipalities and individuals to chomp on unwanted brush and weeds. Goats can safely graze next to roadways or power lines, both clearing and fertilizing the land simultaneously.
It estimated that over 27,000 creatures in Norway are now sporting GPS collars to keep them safe within virtual boundaries. Unfortunately, cows and sheep have not responded as well as these clever kids.