Look out, border collies--here comes Swagbot

Does it give kisses?

Even dogs may soon lose their jobs to a robot.

Writing in Nextgov, July 28, 2016, Mike Murphy says according to Smithsonian Magazine, researchers at the University of Sydney and the Australian Centre for Field Robots are working on a new robot that can:

--Monitor and herd farm animals

--Keep an eye on crops

--And do this off on its own, no human required.

The device wanders around the outback autonomously, picking up tree trunks like toothpicks and sending back messages on sick animals, among other services.

The things also work with drones watching the farm from on high. The drone can spot obstacles and help the Swagbot putter over to a trouble spot safely.

I wonder if this spidery, clunky thing appearing out of nowhere might frighten animals, cut milk production, run over things, I don't know...Seems a little ominous.

Yes, just call me a Luddite. Plus--I am standing up for the dogs!