What robots are doing on farms right now
Milking robots are the best-documented farm robot, and their economics are mixed. Targeted spraying cuts chemical use; whether it cuts cost depends on your fields.
6Jobs robots do for a farm today
23Independent deployment records behind this page
2 of 23Records that document a pause, removal or failure
Tick the jobs you want a robot to take
Each card shows how mature the job isWhere this does not work — read before you enquire
- Labour saved is not money saved. In a government trial, robot tractors cut field hours but higher machinery costs wiped out most of the profit.
- Field size decides the tractor gain. Robot tillage saved much more time on bigger fields than on small ones.
- Auto-steer buys night work, not fewer people. Farms report working after dark, not smaller crews.
- The cows-per-robot rule fails at grass. Grazing herds visit less; size the herd to the boxes.
- Support is the weak point. Drone and robot owners report repair delays; ask where the nearest technician is.
- Power and buildings cost extra. Electricity, cooling fans and shed changes have all been needed after install.
Unlabelled points come from operator-reported or independently observed deployments.
Built on 23 independent deployment records. Robot prices are vendor or reseller list figures and vary by market — confirm with the vendor.