Scientists Learn The Secrets Of Herding Dogs
- 10 years ago
Sheep dogs’ ability to control and move along a flock has long been a source of awe - and the subject of some pretty impressive viral video footage.
Sheep dogs’ ability to control and move along a flock has long been a source of awe - and the subject of some pretty impressive viral video footage.
Scientists say they’ve solved the mystery behind the seemingly magical talent and that it all comes down to two simple rules of math.
One relates to closing the gaps between the sheep and the other pertains to getting them to keep moving forward.
Said one of the researchers, "We had to think about what the dog could see to develop our model. It basically sees white, fluffy things in front of it. If the dog sees gaps between the sheep, or the gaps are getting bigger, the dog needs to bring them together."
Once that’s accomplished the process of pushing them along their way can begin.
They tested their theory out by making a computer model of the herding process and it confirmed that their calculations were correct.
It’s believed that solving the mystery could usher in advancements in crowd control.
Also possible is that robots could be programmed using the herding math and be sent out to perform a number of tricky tasks, including cleaning up after oil spills.
Sheep dogs’ ability to control and move along a flock has long been a source of awe - and the subject of some pretty impressive viral video footage.
Scientists say they’ve solved the mystery behind the seemingly magical talent and that it all comes down to two simple rules of math.
One relates to closing the gaps between the sheep and the other pertains to getting them to keep moving forward.
Said one of the researchers, "We had to think about what the dog could see to develop our model. It basically sees white, fluffy things in front of it. If the dog sees gaps between the sheep, or the gaps are getting bigger, the dog needs to bring them together."
Once that’s accomplished the process of pushing them along their way can begin.
They tested their theory out by making a computer model of the herding process and it confirmed that their calculations were correct.
It’s believed that solving the mystery could usher in advancements in crowd control.
Also possible is that robots could be programmed using the herding math and be sent out to perform a number of tricky tasks, including cleaning up after oil spills.