DeLaval technical specialist Robbie Nicholls said the robotic milking machines are helping farmers manage their time, allowing them to focus on pasture and herd management rather then early starts for milking.

"We are cutting out a lot of labour inside the shed, allowing the operator to be out in the paddock with his cows or in the paddock."

The aim of the system is not to remove labour from the farm but to utilise workers on the farm in better areas, Mr Nicholls said.

"Farmers will now be able to sleep in till 7am, and then put the kids on the school bus before moving to the dairy."

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