October 18, 2005
Spanish ham with added GPS and phone
Spanish jamon pata negra is one of the most delicious hams in the world.
Mobile phone company Amena and the Universidad de Extremadura are to equip Extremadura pigs with a mobile phone and a GPS to ensure that the animals eat and behave as they should to become good "pata negra" for your palate.
The pig will wear the system in a backpack during the montanera, a 3 month-period in which the pig should only eat acorns. The device monitors the temperature and luminosity of the place where the animal is, its location, breathing and heart rate.
The data is transmitted via internet in real time to the owner's computer. The farmer can also check how much the pig walks everyday (this ensures a good balance of fat and muscles.)
So far so good and funny but El Mundo adds that after the tests on pigs, the team will work on a similar system to be worn by seniors or people with health problems.
[via we-make-money-not-art]
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