The robots are coming

Talking to a local farmer earlier today I learnt many now use robots to milk and feed their cows.
 
But it has thrown up an unexpected problem: the animals prefer the robots to humans.
 
“They are not humanised,” he added.
 
Does it matter? Well, yes they do need to be able to interact with the cows from time to time even if it is only to insert a microchip into them to monitor their health and daily routine.
 
   
However, it is a sign of the times as we move towards ever more industrialised farming – 1,000 cows kept in sheds milked by robots- and this photo taken on nearby Sheriffmuir may in the not too distant future be a rare sight.

   
Links:
robots milking cows
robotic dogs
robotic carers  
robotic companions