Thursday, 19 October 2023 13:55

Transforming dairying with ErgoPOD

Written by  Jamie Mikkelson
Jamie Mikkelson Jamie Mikkelson

OPINION: In the heartland of rural New Zealand, Waikato Milking Systems is on a transformative journey that seeks to revolutionise dairy farming practices with their latest innovation, ErgoPOD.

Under my leadership, the company has set a bold vision: “To be the world’s most trusted partner for dairy performance and productivity.”

The vision may appear ambitious, given the geographical distance from key markets and the understated nature of our Kiwi culture. However, Waikato Milking Systems views this aspiration as a guiding star that drives them to create impactful solutions for dairy farmers worldwide.

Rather than dwelling solely on lofty goals, the company is putting its vision into practical action. The journey towards ErgoPOD began with a pragmatic approach to understanding the challenges faced by dairy farmers during milking time.

The company conducted a comprehensive ideation program that involved engaging with dairy farmers globally. This approach allowed them to gain valuable insights into the pain points and unmet needs of farmers during the milking process. From repetitive actions to cow behaviour, each aspect was carefully analyzed to identify areas for improvement.

An external specialist report, including insights from a workplace ergonomist, provided a valuable understanding of milker comfort and efficiency. The report highlighted ergonomic issues faced by milkers, leading the design team to focus on enhancing milking equipment reliability, reducing re-attachments, and standardizing the milking process.

The team also took inspiration from successful New Zealand inventors who revolutionized dairy farming in the past. From Norman Daysh’s mechanised milking system to Ronald Sharp’s herringbone cowshed, these Kiwi innovations served as a driving force to think differently and push the boundaries of productivity.

Through a series of iterative prototypes and dedicated efforts, ErgoPOD gradually took shape. The design team’s relentless commitment to continuous improvement and learning from failures played a significant role in refining the technology to cater to the diverse needs of milkers.

As ErgoPOD nears its commercialisation phase, Waikato Milking Systems remains grounded in their practical approach. The company recognizes that transformation in the dairy industry requires more than visionary aspirations; it demands a relentless pursuit of innovation and an understanding of the real-world challenges faced by farmers.

ErgoPOD represents a tangible example of how a company can bridge the gap between vision and reality. By aligning their vision with practical objectives, engaging with farmers, and leveraging the spirit of Kiwi innovation, Waikato Milking Systems has created a semi-robotic milking technology that promises to enhance productivity and operator well-being.

As ErgoPOD prepares to enter the market, it represents the power of putting ideas into action and the commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of dairy farmers.

Jamie Mikkelson is executive chairman of Waikato Milking Systems.

More like this

ErgoPOD set for 2025 farm debut

Waikato Milking Systems has unveiled the final production version of its ErgoPOD, a state-of-the-art semi-robotic technology designed to increase milking speed, productivity, and efficiency in the parlour.

Control of parlour at your fingertips

While Waikato Milking Systems is committed to solving the challenges dairy farmers face with some of the world’s most innovative and technologically advanced dairy solutions, their approach differs from other companies, as their focus falls on retaining the essence of dairy farming.

Numedic buys Cobra irrigators

Numedic Ltd has acquired a major part of Waikato Milking Systems' effluent and environmental business, including the well-known Cobra range of travelling rain gun irrigators.

A future with precision farming

OPINION: In an ever-changing world, dairy farmers face numerous challenges that hinder their ability to maintain profitability and sustainability.

WMS sold but it's business as usual

Iconic Kiwi company Waikato Milking Systems (WMS) has been sold to an Italian conglomerate but it's business as usual for the milking solutions provider.

Featured

Editorial: NZ's great China move

OPINION: The New Zealand red meat sector, with support from the Government, has upped the ante to retain and expand its niche in the valuable Chinese market - and the signs are looking positive.

Wool-derived protein eyes $2b market

Keratin extracted from New Zealand wool could soon find its way into products used to minimise osteoporosis, promote gut health, and other anti-inflammatories, says Keraplast chief executive Howard Moore.

Strong uptake of good wintering practices

DairyNZ has seen a significant increase in the number of farmers improving their wintering practices, which results in a higher standard of animal care and environmental protection.

Winter grazing warning

Every time people from overseas see photographs of cows up to their hocks in mud it's bad for New Zealand.

National

OSPRI's costly software upgrade

Animal disease management agency OSPRI has announced sweeping governance changes as it seeks to recover from the expensive failure of…

Machinery & Products

BA Pumps expand

Cambridge based BA Pumps & Sprayers, specialists in New Zealand-made spraying equipment, has acquired Tokoroa Engineering’s product range, including the…

Entries open for innovation award

Fieldays and its renowned Innovation Awards are celebrating their 57th year, marking a longstanding tradition in the agricultural calendar, with…

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

Chinese strategy

OPINION: Fonterra may have sold its dairy farms in China but the appetite for collaboration with the country remains strong.

Not fair

OPINION: The Listener's latest piece on winter grazing among Southland dairy farmers leaves much to be desired.

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter