Nottinghamshire Schools Portal

The search is on to name new forest-protecting robot dog

The UK’s first forest -protecting robot dog  needs a name – so we have launched a new competition today! Can your class think of a pawsome name for robot dog?

Prizes include:

  • Winner and their classmates  invited to trial new Robin Hood  interactive holographic experience

  • Adventure golf session for a family of four as well as a family meal deal at Rufford Abbey

This remote-controlled, dog-shaped robot, currently known as forest ranger, is trialling how footage and data gathered from areas which are usually inaccessible, can help monitor and assess the health and condition within a forest environment.  

The forest ranger is the first of its type in the UK, designed by experts from Birmingham City University as part of exciting  work which aims to introduce cutting-edge digital technology in the legendary Sherwood Forest area.

Nottinghamshire County Council, in partnership with academic researchers and local businesses who have helped fund the project, is leading the £10 million research  programme to create the world’s first 5G Connected Forest to test how 5G technology can boost  the tourism and environment protection sectors.

As COP26 today shines a spotlight on how technology can help the environment, the robot dog aims to assist teams in search and rescue efforts as well as detecting potential hazards such as forest fires.

Competition details

The winner of  dog-naming competition and their classmates will be invited to take part in forthcoming trials to test and give their feedback on the new Robin Hood interactive holographic experience - part of the wider 5G Connected Forest project - which aims to bring the legend to life using mixed reality headsets as well as an adventure golf session for a family of four with a family meal deal included, courtesy of Parkwood Leisure, which manages Rufford Abbey on behalf of Nottinghamshire County Council.

Competition is open to children aged 5 -11 years.

Take a look at Robot dog in action

How to enter

We’re sure you’ll be barking up the right tree when you send in your entries. To enter please send entries via the online form below:

https://consult.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/communications/66a58ac0

Entries close Friday 10 December 2021

We look forward to receiving you pawsome names :)