Robotic Milking Systems

Abstract

Robotic milking systems [RMS] (also referred to as Automatic Milking Systems or Voluntary Milking Systems) were developed in Europe in 1992 to address labor issues on dairy farms. This technology was introduced to the U.S. in 2000, and initial uptake was slow, however, with the current labor costs and shortages adoption has become much more rapid. Robotic milking is a voluntary milking system (VMS) that gives individual cows the freedom to enter the milking unit at their discretion. Cows are drawn to the system by the feed provided during milking, and the relief of the milking process. This fact sheet series covers RMS management changes and considerations, designing and starting up a new RMS facility, and the pros and cons of different cow flow strategies.