Newark boy wins competition to name UK's first forest-protecting robot dog at Sherwood Forest
The UK’s first forest-protecting robot dog now has a name — thanks to an 11-year-old from Newark.
Sam Davies came up with the winning entry — Gizmo — as part of a Nottinghamshire County Council-led competition to name the pioneering robot dog based at Sherwood Forest.
The remote-controlled, dog-shaped robot (above right) is trialling how footage gathered from areas which are usually inaccessible, can help monitor and assess the health and condition of forests, designed by experts from Birmingham City University.
It forms part of a county council-led research project to create the world’s first 5G Connected Forest to test how 5G technology can boost tourism and the environment, working with leading academic researchers and local businesses.
Sam, a pupil of The King’s Church of England Primary Academy, Newark, said: “I suggested Gizmo because it’s a futuristic sounding name for a robot dog. I’m very shocked and excited to win.”
Sam and his lucky classmates will be invited to take part in forthcoming trials — due to take place next month — to test and give their feedback on the new Robin Hood interactive holographic movie experience, which is part of the wider 5G Connected Forest project.
It aims to bring the legend to life using mixed-reality headsets.
Sam and his family will enjoy an adventure golf session as well as a family meal deal, courtesy of Parkwood Leisure, which manages Rufford Abbey on behalf of Nottinghamshire County Council.
County councillor Keith Girling said: “Well done to Sam.
“We had lots of great suggestions in so thanks to everyone who took part.
“Gizmo is a very fitting name for this amazing robot dog.
“Sam and his classmates are in for a special treat when they get to exclusively try out the fantastic interactive holographic experience which features the legendary Robin Hood.”
Birmingham City University associate professor Taufiq Asyhari said: “Having worked on this cutting-edge robotic technology over the past year, we are delighted that this pioneering forest ranger robot dog now has a name.”
Sam’s teacher Collette Jeffrey added: “I’m thrilled for Sam. He has a great passion for climate change issues and is a subject we have taught for a few years here at King's.
“His classmates are very excited about taking part in the interactive experience.”
Funding for the £10m 5G Connected Forest programme has come from the DCMS’s Rural Connected Communities programme, matched by the consortium partners, formed by academic researchers and local businesses.