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In a groundbreaking move, a team of product designers from Cambridge Industrial Design has developed an innovative smart collar for cows using **3D printing technology**. This high-tech device, though seemingly simple in appearance, integrates the latest in IoT (Internet of Things) advancements to revolutionize modern farming practices.
The cow tracking collar was designed at the request of True North Technologies and is equipped with advanced sensors that monitor the movement and daily activities of livestock in real time. Through a mobile GSM network, farmers can access valuable data about their herds, which is then sent to a central system for detailed analysis. This allows ranchers to make informed decisions that improve efficiency and productivity.
One of the key features of this smart collar is its ability to create a "virtual electric fence." When a cow strays beyond a designated area, the collar emits a sound, guiding the animal back to the safe grazing zone. This feature eliminates the need for physical fences and reduces labor for farmers.
Developed through a collaboration between the Irish agricultural research institute Teagasc, the French Institut de Recherche pour l'Élevage (d’Laval), and the Swiss Agroscope team, the collar is more than just a GPS-enabled bell—it's a comprehensive monitoring tool. It tracks not only grazing patterns but also social interactions and even physiological behaviors like rumination, offering deep insights into the health and well-being of each cow.
Tim Evans, design director at Cambridge Industrial Design, explained that the inspiration came from traditional Alpine cowbells. The design team focused on creating a compact, durable, and user-friendly product. “We used a rounded shape to reduce size while increasing strength,†he said. “This ensures it can withstand collisions with fences and feed troughs, and it’s easy for herders to handle during cleaning and charging.â€
The collar is made from glass-filled nylon and manufactured using selective laser sintering (SLS) 3D printing technology. This approach allows for rapid prototyping and field testing, enabling the design team to refine the product efficiently. “3D printing gives us the flexibility to experiment and improve the design quickly,†Evans added.
Patrick Halton, Director of Technology and Management at True North Technologies, praised the collaboration. “By combining our GPS capabilities with Cambridge Industrial Design’s expertise, we’ve created a durable and innovative solution that helps farmers manage their operations more effectively.â€
Based in Shannon, Ireland, True North Technologies specializes in developing cutting-edge agricultural technologies. Over the years, the company has partnered with Teagasc to bring new solutions to the livestock industry, helping farmers stay competitive in an evolving market. This smart collar is just one example of how technology is transforming traditional farming into a smarter, more efficient practice.