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Automatic milking (AM) technology relieves the dairy farmer from the physical labor of milking and also provides a wealth of information for herd management. AM systems use a higher level of technology than conventional milk harvesting techniques and require a higher level of installation, service and herd and financial management skills for success. Economic and social conditions that help to maintain dairy production near population centers will favor the application of AM technology in North America. At present, AM technology is more costly than other methods of harvesting milk. Projected gains in the productivity/cost ratio will make it competitive with other forms of milk harvesting technology on both small and large farms in the next decade. The use of biosensors to detect milk quality as it is being harvested is an area of rapid technological development and presents the possibility of significant improvements in the quality and safety of the raw milk supply. The many questions regarding the regulation of AM have not yet been encoded in rules and regulations. Good Management Practices (GMP) are being developed by the international community as a supplement to existing regulations.