e-Grass: virtual shepherd who controls cattle remotely, from a computer or mobile

e-Pasto is a European initiative that will be implemented in the Pyrenees to facilitate the work of pastoralists. Through a virtual pastor it is possible to control, remotely, from a computer or mobile, and in real time, where the flocks are.

The e-Pasto project is an initiative that is part of the European project Agripir (co-financed by ERDF under Poctefa), that brings together Basque partners, French and Catalans in a cross-border cooperation initiative. Its objective is to launch a virtual shepherd that controls the herds remotely from a computer or mobile terminal such as smartphone or tablet.

The e-Pasto project, which is in the pilot phase, is based on a transmitter-receiver collar that is equipped with a satellite geolocation system. A device that must be small and light so that it can be integrated into traditional necklaces, but also robust to withstand shocks, friction and bites, as well as extreme weather temperatures; and that it is immune to electromagnetic fields.

This device will be the one that allows to know at a distance where the beef is in real time, whether cows, sheep or horses. You will also be able to monitor your state of health and will be able to detect whether you are grazing or not and if you are moving at a certain time..

In addition, the virtual shepherd will be able to interact with the herd to direct it to the desired area, through signals such as sounds, vibrations or electrical impulses.

The herder of the flock in addition to geo-locating the herd will be able to receive alerts and mobile messages when an incident occurs.

Before installing these collars, it will be necessary to study the behavior of the cattle and establish who will be installed in each herd. In addition, it will be necessary to analyze the most appropriate interaction mechanism for each livestock: type of stimulus, duration, frequency and intensity of the same.

With e-Pasto it will not be necessary to install physical fences to control the herds, contributing to preserve the Pyrenean landscape.

Prototype development

The Estia Higher School of Advanced Industrial Technologies, based in Bidart, will be in charge of developing the prototype of this necklace; while the Center for Visual Interaction technologies and communications Vicomtech-IK4, based in the Donosita Technology Park, will develop the databases and interface program.