Robotics an answer to labour?
Tauranga-based Robotics Plus has launched its autonomous multi-use, modular vehicle platform for agriculture.
A NEW robotic milker from GEA Farm Technologies WestfaliaSurge will have technology not seen before on robotic systems, including a specially developed 3D camera.
This new unit, called Mlone, will bring robotics a step closer to more New Zealand farms, says GEA.
The camera plays a key part in coordinating the position of individual teats and determining where to place the cups at the start of milking. It effectively guides the teat cups on the milking rack to the cow’s teats.
The constant monitoring by the camera provides a more human-like response to unexpected events, like cups being kicked off, with a rapid movement back to the problem bail to correct the problem.
GEA business development manager Chris Barclay says integrated processes also ensure the MIone provides a high standard of teat care and cleanliness.
Once cupped the teat is cleaned, pre-milked, stimulated and milked out without requiring brushes or other external equipment, avoiding risk of cross contamination between teats or cows.
“The system individually washes, sanitises and dries the teats, then post-milking the cups are flushed and ready for the next cow.”
The MIone appears here just as the first plant is being commissioned on a Gippsland property in Australia, where a three box system there will be milking 120 cows initially.
Farm owner Trevor Mills says the system appealed because the design offered a true “milk centre” with the technology and equipment concentrated in one area of the plant’s configuration.
The system’s capability to operate 24/7 matches the increase in milkings per day that typically occurs under a robotic system.
“In systems overseas where cows are housed continuously and milked robotically they will tend towards three milkings over a 24 hour period, and typically milk volume harvested will lift by about 15%,” says Barclay.
New Zealand experience with robotic milking systems and conventional pasture feeding indicates cows will offer themselves for 1.8 to 3.3 milkings during 24 hours.
The change in technology usually also requires a change in mindset and work approach for farmers adopting it.
“Farmers who have gone to robotic systems say they don’t necessarily work less, but they work differently, and have more time to spend on different areas of herd management, and are less constrained by the usual conventional milking demands.”
GEA managing director Jamie Mikkelson says the MIone is the culmination of much R&D work by WestfaliaSurge and is supported by staff skilled in integrating robotics with NZ pastoral systems.
www.gea-farmtechnolgies.co.nz
The iconic services building at National Fieldays' Mystery Creek site will be demolished to make way for a "contemporary replacement that better serves the needs of both the community and event organisers," says board chair Jenni Vernon.
Agri advisor Perrin Ag says its graduate recruitment programme continues to bring new talent into the agricultural sector.
Entries are open for the 2026 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards (NZDIA).
As New Zealand marks International Day of Rural Women today, women from across the horticulture sector are calling attention to the crucial role they play in building a more sustainable, inclusive and climate-resilient industry.
Listed rural trader PGG Wrightson chair Garry Moore and his deputy Sarah Brown have been voted out by shareholders.
It was love that first led Leah Prankerd to dairying.
OPINION: Voting is underway for Fonterra’s divestment proposal, with shareholders deciding whether or not sell its consumer brands business.
OPINION: Politicians and Wellington bureaucrats should take a leaf out of the book of Canterbury District Police Commander Superintendent Tony Hill.