Collaborative Robots: Driving from Smart Factory to Dairy : A study by Sharda University Agra

Techno-Business Framework of Cobots

Smart automation is no longer limited to factories. This could be extended from smart farm to refrigeration through intelligent implementation of autonomous robots especially the collaborative robots so called Cobots. Cobots optimize the production, enhance the competitiveness share the labor workforce in the field and offer low Return of Investment – ROI

Prof. (Dr.) Jayanthi Ranjan, Vice Chancellor, Sharda University Agra

Traditional robotic approach for milking:

The traditional robotic approach for milking has a camera, spray systems and when triggered it sends a 6-foot pipe in to the space of cow which is long with a sprayer to the underneath of the cow to apply the disinfectant. The whole process is a time-consuming with complexity also it requires expensive installation into the miking parlor floor and also needs huge fencing to safeguard the labor-force. The conventional robotics technology requires highly professional programmable and skill training for the employees. The other approach being the modular system of robots that even though reduce the complexity of installation but the floor-mounted and modular approach occupies huge space that in turn reduces the quantity of stalls of milking available resulting in reduction of the output. The biggest challenge in the conventional and modular robotic operation fails on the power breakdown which leads to injure of cow and cause damage to the rotary milk stall due to the malfunction of the pipe and sprayer. Moreover, it adds to huge cost to repair, reprogramming and also increases the downtime.

Cobots dynamics in Goshalas [Milking Systems]

Cobots technology is a 04 industrial revolution technology that finds immense applications to farm practices and animal husbandry especially the milking operations where there is a high demand of intensive labor workforce. It breaks the chain of decade-long shortage of qualified milkers. The autonomous robots [Cobots] automate the intense-labor process of manually disinfecting cows’ udder before and after being milked. Cobots also extends enormous benefits especially the enhancement in the milking process than the traditional robotic technologies.

Cobots have 6-Degress of Freedom [DOF], in-house HD camera, gripper with highly sensing systems, touchscreen point-and-click application. They are robust, quiet mobile, maintenance free, safe operation installed in Goshalas [Milking area]. The cobots has on-board computer with teach pendant, easily installed in the milking space and also has disinfectant storage tank, pumps, hydraulic valves, control and automation process control. Cobots has in-built safety features, doesn’t require safety caging and stops its operation through highly sensing system if someone enters or touch the operations. Most importantly it does injure the cow udder. It has a flexible spray arm that bends and also spring-loaded to return to the functioning position. Cobots are user-friendly, easily programmable by dairyman.

Prof. (Dr.) Jayanthi Ranjan, Vice Chancellor, Sharda University Agra