1660240936270 B25f2fa795eb41a3b1d967488f77df57

IIoT with a side of milk: How automation is changing the dairy industry

Jan. 28, 2016

It is undeniable that technology is affecting all aspects of our lives, but did you realize that robotic automation is changing the dairy industry?

It is undeniable that technology is affecting all aspects of our lives, but did you realize that robotic automation is changing the dairy industry? According to GeekWire, more than 30,000 autonomous milking machines have been sold around the world, and the trend is just now picking up speed in the United States. By 2025, as much as a quarter of the cows in North America could be milked by robots.

How does it work? Each cow has an RFID tag that identifies the cow and provides information about their last milking experience. While the cows are enjoying a mean of automatically dispensed feed, a robotic arm sanitizes the cow and begins the milking process. The system can even sense when the cow's milk has slowed to a trickle. And, if something goes wrong, the farmer gets an alert on his smart phone.

About the Author

Alexis Gajewski | Senior Content Strategist

Alexis Gajewski has over 15 years of experience in the maintenance, reliability, operations, and manufacturing space. She joined Plant Services in 2008 and works to bring readers the news, insight, and information they need to make the right decisions for their plants. Alexis also authors “The Lighter Side of Manufacturing,” a blog that highlights the fun and innovative advances in the industrial sector. 

Sponsored Recommendations

Enclosure Climate Control: Achieving the Ideal Temperature

March 28, 2024
There are several factors to consider when optimizing the climate inside your electrical enclosure. Download this white paper to learn more.

Find the ideal enclosure cooling solution for your application

March 28, 2024
Use the Climate Control Quickfinder tool to find the ideal climate control solution for your application in just three easy steps.

Smart Cooling Solutions: Reduce Your Energy Consumption with Advanced Technology from Rittal

March 28, 2024
Wall extension cooling units for external or internal mounting in doors and walls using standardized mounting cut-outs. Cooling output 0.3 – 5.8 kW. Also available in energy-efficient...

Arc Flash Prevention: What You Need to Know

March 28, 2024
Download to learn: how an arc flash forms and common causes, safety recommendations to help prevent arc flash exposure (including the use of lockout tagout and energy isolating...