Could wearable tech revolutionise dog training? A new study by Nezu et al. (2024) explores whether robotic feeders worn by the dog can reduce fixation on trainers — without sacrificing learning speed or reward efficiency.
In a recent publication in Advanced Robotics, researchers Nezu, Ohno, Kojima, Bezerra, Nagasawa, Kikusui, and Tadokoro (2024) investigated an unconventional tool in canine training: a backpack-mounted robotic food dispenser.
The study addressed a known behavioural challenge — dogs becoming overly focused on their trainer during reward-based learning. Such fixation can limit a dog’s independence and performance in remote work environments. To counter this, the team developed a wearable feeder that delivers treats without direct human involvement.
The suit-mounted feeder achieved a 96.4% success rate in feeding two trained dogs during a spotlight-following task. While training time and number of rewards were comparable to traditional trainer-mediated methods, the most compelling outcome was a reduction of up to 84.7% in the number of times dogs looked at nearby humans — a strong sign of reduced fixation.
Importantly, gait analysis showed the device had no measurable negative impact on the dogs’ physical movement, preserving natural locomotion. The study opens new doors for applications in search and rescue, military, and service dog training — where autonomy and focus are critical.
Source: Nezu, S., Ohno, K., Kojima, S., Bezerra, R., Nagasawa, M., Kikusui, T., & Tadokoro, S. (2024). Effectiveness of canine training using suit-mounted feeder. Advanced Robotics, 38, 947–957. DOI:10.1080/01691864.2024.2334987
