BouMatic Gemini features fully new software that is easy to use, quick to overview and very stable. This patented design allows the cow to not see the arm of the robot, and anxiety is reduced.
In its focus on cow comfort, BouMatic has designed its Gemini system to milk cows from the rear, the only milking robot on the market that does so. “This patented design al- lows the cow to not see the arm of the robot, so cow anxiety is reduced in the box,” Oughton explains. BouMatic has also focused on cost savings, designing its sys- tems so they are fully upgradable, allowing farmers to add new features instead of replacing the entire system. “We are also the only company on the market with a double box,” says Oughton. “This advantage saves space, investment and con- struction costs… We also have a self-contained mechanical room inside the robot, reducing construction costs and allow- ing dairy farmers convenient access to the inner workings of the robot without interrupting the herd.” DeLaval has also focused in recent years on cow health and milk quality. Its PureFlow system offers teat preparation in- volving warm water, air and pre-strip as well as highly accu- rate teat spray after milking, which provides better cow comfort, higher milk quality and increased milk flow. For higher levels of comfort in its designs, Lely has devel- oped the I-flow setup to facilitate easy walk-in and walk-out. “Once in the robot, during milking, the spacious box gives
room to move while the camera observes the movement and steers the robot arm,” explains Bellana Putz, Lely marketing manager. “New to our latest model, Astronaut A5, is that the arm is even faster and more accurate to follow every movement and be completely tension-free once in place.”
Future design plans Rousseau explains that in the coming years, robotic milker designs will continue to provide improved cow welfare. “Much focus continues to be directed to the area of animal comfort in both tie-stall and free-stall type barns, and it is to be expected that robotic milkers will continue to improve in this area,” he says. “Equipment is being developed with the health and behaviour of each animal in mind.” Operation of equipment will become even quieter, and greater cleanliness of the milking station or stall will increase. Future designs will also focus on farmer profit, with contin- ued improvements to reduce maintenance as well as operat- ing costs. More energy-efficient technologies, says Rousseau, will enable lower costs of operation as they are incorporated in future robot generations. Future robotic milkers will also provide more information and
▶DAIRY GLOBAL | Volume 7, No. 5, 2020 25
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28
