MIone robotic milking system
The MIone is a multibox system, so just one vacuum pump, one computer system, one wash system and one robotic arm are needed for up to five boxes. This means the MIone offers the highest milking capacity for the investment cost
Every cow is fitted with a neck or leg transponder that is read as she enters the milking box. This then links up with the herd management software DairyPlan C21 to identify and record the milking.
The transponders can also be used to monitor heat detection. In addition, the MIone system can be programmed for automatic sorting and segregation of cows that are ready to be inseminated or that need extra attention. These might include those flagged with low activity (which could be an indication of sickness or lameness) or high somatic cell counts (which is measured via milk conductivity).
The MIone also offers guided traffic system with a pre-selection gate that is operated by DairyPlan, The guided traffic system utilises the cow’s biorhythm, as a cow’s natural behaviour is to rest, milk and feed visiting the feed area up to a minimum of 8 times a day. The pre-selection ensures only cows due to be milked enter the robot when they are ready.
Find out more about guided traffic here: automaticmilking.co.uk
The MIone sets itself apart from other robotic systems in that the teat cups are only attached once and the milking process is executed in sequence, saving time and preventing any system contamination. The milking process flows as follows:
- Consistent udder preparation — Every cow is prepared and milked the same way, every time. The MIone system utilises a pre‑dip to clean and disinfect the teat properly prior to milking. Every teat is fore-stripped for stimulation and a milk‑quality evaluation, and that sample fore‑milk is diverted and discarded. Teats are further stimulated within the liners using the time‑tested and proven effective Stimopuls technology. A patented ‘block bleed block’ valve assembly ensures that pre-dip, disinfectants and soil never contaminate the milk. Teats are air‑dried before milk harvest begins.
- Precise milking unit attachment — A 3‑D infrared camera detects the shape and position of each teat, so that the application arm can easily place the teat cups on the teats. Each box is equipped with its own milking rack and milking unit. The robotic arm travels between boxes to attach the teat cups. The camera travels with the arm and does not remain under the cow during milking, reducing the potential for damage. The robotic arm will make three attempts to attach the teat cups. If they cannot be attached, an alarm will sound to notify the farmer who can then attach the unit manually, or the cow will be released to a special care area. During milking, suspicious milk (high conductivity, irregular colour) can be diverted from the primary milk supply, by quarter, if desired.
- Flexible detachment options — Detaching the teat cups after milking can be programmed based on milk flow for individual‑quarter removal, or full‑unit removal. The system then post‑dips every cow immediately after milking.
- Routine cleaning — The MIone system is programmed to run a wash cycle on a regular basis. It also backflushes with a disinfectant between each cow to reduce cross contamination.
