Robotic milking innovation first in New Zealand

GEA’s MIone is a beauty of a machine.

The robotic milker is designed for efficiency and with the animals’ needs in mind.

Marketing manager Nicky Bowden said it took three weeks to set up the exhibition for Fieldays.

“We have it all. The cooling equipment is made in Hamilton; we also have routers and insemination products, such as the CowScout S and all the well-known brands such as Milfos.”

The robotic milking concept is over 30 years old but this MIone is unique in its design.

It holds 3D cameras which detect the teat-cups and the teat, ensuring that attaching is both quick and secure.

After the milking is done, the teats are cleaned and the animals are sent to replenish.  Market support manager Dawn Neitzel knows the ins and outs of this machine.

“It is currently set up to milk two cows but the MIone can milk up to five at a time.”

It’s part of the multi-box system that also safely removes and cleans the teats to avoid infection such as mastitis. The production time of the MIone is impressive. “

It only takes 10 hours to produce. The manufacturer operates 24/7 and there is currently a three-month wait,” said Neitzel, “We expect to sell a few over the next few days, I sold one just before.”