MILKING EQUIPMENT FOR ROBOTIC MILKING

A speculative approach to identifying the type of milking equipment wh ich could be used in the developed automated milking systems of the fu ture is described. Simple robotic milking can use conventional milking systems and equipment. New technologies from materials science to sen sors and control systems can allow a radical reappraisal of the milkin g system with opportunities for significant changes in design and scal e but closely related to the needs of cows milked more than twice dail y. The driving forces will be milking efficiency, animal health and mi lk quality. These can lead to full quarter milking systems, new liner designs, reduced use of vacuum and alternative milk transfer methods. Major changes are possible in the operation and control of milking wit hin the teatcup and much of the machine operation is likely to be cont rolled by feedback systems aimed to optimise milk extraction and minim ise any effects on the cow. Machine operation is likely to be maintain ed and safeguarded by self-testing systems. After use of essentially t he same milking system for 100 years robotic milking developments prov ide an opportunity for a radical approach to milk harvesting. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.