A team of researchers at the UK 's Harper Adams University is using drones and self - driving tractors to plant , harvest and harvest a field of crops . So far , the team has managed to plant the crop , deter birds and spray for weeds using a tractor fitted with self - driving tractor . Drones have also been deployed to drive pigeons away . The barley is now growing , and the team is trying to fit its self - driving technology to a combine in preparation for harvesting . Should the barley be harvested successfully , it will be used to brew beer . That s another challenge .
A team of researchers at the UK's Harper Adams University is using drones and self-driving tractors to plant, grow and harvest a field of barley. So far, the team has managed to plant the crop, deter birds and spray for weeds using a tractor fitted with self-driving software. Drones have also been deployed to chase pigeons away. The barley is now growing, and the team is trying to fit its self-driving technology to a combine in preparation for harvesting. Should the barley be harvested successfully, it will be used to brew beer. Thats another challenge.