Hedgehog Models Utilized in Safety Testing for Robotic Lawnmowers

Imagine a hedgehog “crash test dummy”! This ingenious solution was developed by a team led by Dr Sophie Lund Rasmussen from the University of Oxford. The dummy, made from a soft rubbery plastic, is designed to replicate the squishy body and iconic spines of a real hedgehog.

The first step in creating a safety test using this dummy was to understand how hedgehogs react when confronted with a robotic lawnmower. The research team conducted tests in a controlled environment with rescued hedgehogs, using a bladeless robotic lawnmower positioned 50 centimeters (20 inches) away.

The team discovered that the hedgehogs either fled, stood slightly curled up in front of the lawnmower, or began sniffing it. These observations helped the researchers determine the optimal positions for the hedgehog crash test dummy during safety tests. The tests then revealed whether the robotic mower could avoid a hedgehog and, if not, the extent of potential harm to the animal.

“Robotic lawnmowers are causing serious injuries to hedgehogs, putting a huge strain on hedgehog care centers and consuming valuable resources. These injuries often require extensive care and treatment,” said study co-author Dr Anne Berger. “Worse still, most hedgehogs with cut injuries are found days or weeks after the accident, causing them significant suffering and pain.” 

The team hopes that this new safety test will pave the way for the creation of more hedgehog-friendly robotic lawnmowers. Dr Rasmussen revealed to IFLScience that such developments are already underway.

“Our research has highlighted a potential threat to hedgehogs from certain models of robotic lawn mowers. As a result, we’re collaborating with industry partners to design hedgehog-friendly robotic lawn mowers based on our research findings,” explained Dr Rasmussen.

With hedgehog populations dwindling, this research could be the start of a brighter future for these beloved creatures of the European garden. 

The findings of these studies are published in the journal Animals, which can be found here and here.