A team of researchers in New Zealand have developed a robotic grass cutter that can be remote controlled via the internet.

Engineers at Massey University said the cordless mower will be able to precision navigate lawns.

It is working in a roped-off patch on campus. It moves silently across the grass, stopping in places that need extra trimming and going over them again. If it is running low on power, it goes to the recharger for a top-up.

The team wants to make the first robotic "cockroach" to take care of most household chores, including vacuuming, lawnmowing, cleaning windows and floors and making the beds.

They have already developed an automatic petrol-dispensing robot.

auckland.massey.ac.nz