Farm robots researched by Harper Adams University

A university in Shropshire is researching the use of robots to help farmers manage their crops and round up cattle.

Teams at Harper Adams university are building the prototype tractors, which are remotely controlled by computers, at their new £3m Agricultural Engineering Innovation Centre.

Professor Simon Blackmore said: "It is an autonomous tractor so although a person is in charge of it you won't have a person hanging onto the steering wheel."

Other mobile robots are under development to remotely check crops for their growth, moisture and signs of disease.