While the ACFR has been working on this technology since 2014, the robot - previously known as 'Shrimp' - is set to start a two-year trial next month. Testing will take place at several farms nearby New South Wales province in Australia.

During this trial, researchers will train the robot to shepherd animals, monitor their health and make sure that herds are well fed at all times.

To track the health of the livestock, the four-wheeled farmbot mounts various thermal and vision sensors that can detect changes in the behavior and body temperature of the animals in real time.

The robot will also come with a functionality that continuously checks the ground for pasture quality.

"We want to improve the quality of animal health and make it easier for farmers to maintain large landscapes where animals roam free," project lead Salah Sukkarieh told New Scientist. "It's farmers who are driving this because labour is in short supply and they are looking for technological assistance", he continues.