Maybe it’s crazy. Maybe it’s genius. But it’s definitely noteworthy. Similar to in the U.S., farmers in Kisarazu, a city in southwestern Chiba Prefecture, Japan, is having major issues with wild animals damaging agriculture. Their answer, according to The Japan News, is a little creation named Wolf Bot.
Chikao Umezawa, head of JA Kisarazu-shi, shows Super Monster Wolf in Kisarazu, Chiba Prefecture, Japan. Photo Credit: The Yomiuri Shimbun.
I’m sorry, what?!
If you said, “Wolf what?,” you’re probably not alone. The wolf-like robot is fully named Super Monster Wolf. It’s a little more than 2 feet in length and stands slightly more than 1.5 feet in height, the newspaper reports. It is covered with fur and bares fangs that are in full attack mode.
How does it work?
The Japan News reports that Wolf Bot uses an infrared ray sensor when wild animals approach. It begins to intimidate critters by flashing red LED lights from its eyes on and off and blaring 18 different types of sounds in rotation. These sounds include a wolf growl, a human voice and a gunshot.
Does it actually work?
Well … yes. The Japan News reports a Hokkaido company that developed Wolf Bot allowed the agricultural cooperative to use for it free. However, more will be developed and will be available for purchase.
The newspaper reports a Kisarazu city official said that since Super Monster Wolf was installed on July 11 there have been no signs of wild animals in the area. Manufacturing will begin in September with each robot costing around 200,000 yen, or approximately $1,806.18.
