Humanoid robots could represent the "next stage" in farming automation, according to a professor at Harper Adams University. The Shropshire university is investigating how these robots might influence future agricultural practices.
Professor Fernando Auat Cheein, a robotics specialist, stated that humanoid robots share "similar capabilities" to humans. This would allow them to be programmed for a variety of tasks, such as harvesting, planting, or pruning, and deployed to work alongside people.
Prof Cheein explained that while robotics are already used in farming at Harper Adams, existing robots are typically designed for a single, specific function. Humanoid robots, with their human-like degree of freedom, could be adapted to complete multiple tasks and potentially work faster.
The professor emphasised that the aim is for robots to co-exist and share workspaces with humans, rather than replacing them. He noted that once perfected, the programming for these humanoids could be replicated across numerous units.