New Zealand-based Scott Milktech has unveiled The SML robotic milking system for pastoral farming systems.
SML consists of an industrial six axis robot, linked to a 3D time of flight camera which provides a 3D co-ordinate and enables the system to guide the cups onto each teat.
The vision and analysis software is developed by the Scott in-house controls team.
The system interfaces with the rotary platform and its associated systems. A unique patented tail diverter also features on the prototype system.
The milking system, which can be retrofitted to existing rotary dairy sheds, places cups on cows robotically.
Designed to operate without human intervention, the system allows farmers to spend more time on critical matters such as animal husbandry, farm and business management, claims the company.
Scott Milktech plans to run full production trials in more working dairy sheds to achieve a managed roll out and sales during 2013.
