Friday, 07 October 2022 10:55

Robotic feeding for 300 cows

Written by Mark Daniel

font size decrease font size increase font size

The self-driving DairyFeed F4500 is an electrically powered unit with a single vertical mixing auger.

Dairy specialists GEA has announced the arrival of an autonomous robotic feeder to its already extensive range.

Scheduled to appear at the German EuroTier Event in November, the self-driving DairyFeed F4500 is an electrically powered unit with a single vertical mixing auger.

Unlike mixer wagons fitted with milling heads, the machine is designed to be filled from feed bunkers, using a 2.2m³ tub to take care of weighing the main ingredients and additives for individual groups of animals. The robot mixes the contents and navigates around the farm using laser scanners and is fitted with obstacle detection sensors to ensure safety is maintained in all situations.

Configured with four wheels, two rigidly mounted mid-point assemblies carry the machine, while front and rear wheel take care of steering, with the machine capable of travelling up inclines of up to 10%.

Rations can be delivered to both the left and right sides of the machine, with any residual feed automatically pushed up to the feed fence by a deflector plate as the machine passes along the feed area. Linked to the company’s DairyNet herd management system, the robot can be monitored and controlled from a mobile device.

Initially available in key European markets from Q4 2022, Dairy- Feed F4500 will be available globally from 2023, with GEA noting that no major on-farm changes will be needed to install the system.

Published in Machinery & Products

More like this

Alpego eyes electric power harrow

Distributed by OriginAg in New Zealand, Italian manufacturer Alpego recently showed its three metre Alysium electric power harrow at the Italian Eima Event, taking away an innovation award.

Combine harvester put through its paces in Oz

Twelve months after its release, the all-new John Deere S7 combine harvester has been put through its paces across a range of grain-growing regions, so producers can see first-hand its potential productivity and efficiency benefits.

Local experts in pregnancy scanning, calf disbudding

Made in New Zealand is a feature that looks at the wealth of design and manufacturing ability we have in New Zealand, producing productive and cost-effective products for the agricultural sector. This week Machinery Editor Mark Daniel takes a closer look at Ultra-Scan, catching up with franchisers Glenn Chambers and Bianca Bothma.

New seed drill tech coming

Incorporating Vaderstad's latest seed drill technology, the Proceed V 24, is said to improve precision and increase planting efficiencies for New Zealand farmers and growers from the 2026 season.

Power Farming and Topcon join forces

Over the last half-decade, the rapid adoption of GPS, guidance and a host of management and data recording functions has emphasised the need for a knowledgeable and reliable product and support provider.

Featured

Reserve Bank rules bleeding farmers dry - Feds

There are calls for the Reserve Bank to drop its banking capital rules, which Federated Farmers says is costing farmers a fortune.

Farmer input needed to combat FE

Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is calling on livestock farmers to take part in a survey measuring the financial impact of facial eczema (FE).

Genetics helping breed the best farm working dogs

Soon farmers and working dog breeders will be able to have a dog that best suits their needs thanks to a team of researchers at Massey University.

Editorial: Escaping Trump's wrath

OPINION: President Donald Trump's bizarre hard line approach to the world of what was once 'rules-based trade' has got New Zealand government officials, politicians and exporters on tenterhooks.

Wool pellets to boost gardens

With wool prices steadily declining and shearing costs on the rise, a Waikato couple began looking for a solution for wool from their 80ha farm.

Meeting face-to-face with vegetable, fruit growers

The Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) team is looking forward to connecting with growers at the upcoming South Island Agricultural Field Days, says HortNZ chief executive Kate Scott.