A new device is taking Pavlov's dogs to a whole new level. It's more remote control than classical conditioning, but the idea is similar — a programmable pooch.
The idea comes from engineers at Alabama's Auburn University, who are about to publish a paper on what they call a system for autonomous canine guidance. The scientists are trying to help train search-and-rescue dogs to rival hall-of-famers like Lassie and Beethoven, turning man's best friend into a sort of bio-robot.
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To get the dogs on board, they're fitted with a suit that has a microprocessor, wireless radio, and GPS receiver. The get-up makes the canines look futuristically fashion forward, but the idea is that these dogs can not only receive and execute commands remotely, but can immediately respond and react to queues, tones and vibrations that spring them into action. Researchers claim an overall success rate of 86.6% accuracy in trials. As dogs are already effective in finding contraband, missing persons and disaster victims, this system could help save lives, and protect handlers from dangerous environments. It could also improve the ability of service dogs to assist their human masters.
For those concerned with animal rights and ethics, this could ruffle some feathers, or even cause some to wonder if this same technology could be applied to other species — or even humans (the list of remotely controlled animals using electrode implantation includes spiny dogfish sharks, rats, pigeons, and even cockroaches). Still, the idea so far seems to be intended for the greater good, not to exploit our canine friends — or turn them into furry slaves.
What do you think? Is this a good idea? Check out the video above and tell us in the comments below.
Image: FLICKR / Christina Picuzza