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Cisco Systems Inc, which is developing network infrastructure
for the emerging technology, has set up 5G testbeds to trial
wireless and mobile connectivity in three rural locations.
5G promises super-fast connections, which evangelists say will
transform the way we live our lives, enabling everything from
self-driving cars to augmented-reality glasses and downloading a
feature-length film to your phone in seconds.
While it is being used in pockets of pilot studies around the
world, the first near-nationwide coverage is not expected in
countries such as China, Japan or the United States until 2023,
according to industry analysts.
For the cows, among the 5G-connected gadgets they are wearing is
a collar that controls a robotic milking system.
When the cow feels ready to be milked it will approach machine
gates that will automatically open. The device recognizes the
individual to precisely latch on to its teats for milking, while
the cow munches on a food reward.
At the government-funded Agricultural Engineering Precision
Innovation Centre (Agri-EPI Centre) in Shepton Mallet, in
southwest England, around 50 of the 180-strong herd is fitted
with the 5G smart collars and health-monitoring ear tags.
The gadgets do not harm the cows and the monitoring allows
handlers to see any signs of distress.
"We are testing the ability of 5G to transmit the data from our
sensors much quicker, and not via the farm's PC and a slow
broadband internet connection," said Duncan Forbes, Project
Manager at the Agri-Epi Centre
"And the significance of that is it means that this sort of
technology could be taken up ... not just on farms but on rural
communities right across the country."
The working dairy, set up by Agri-EPI with the support of
Britain's innovation agency, uses a range of technology;
including automated brushes that rotate when the cow rubs up
against them, sensor-operated curtains that open depending on
the weather, and a smart feeding system that automatically
delivers food in the barn via ceiling-mounted rails.
"We can connect every cow, we can connect every animal on this
farm," Cisco's Nick Chrissos said.
"That's what 5G can do for farming -- really unleash the power
that we have within this farm, everywhere around the UK and
everywhere around the world."
(Reporting by Matthew Stock; Editing by Alison Williams)
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