Milking Solution
Astronaut A5 Next
Introduction
The next step in milking
Transform your farm with the next step in milking. The Lely Astronaut is an evolution that incorporates everything we have learned during the past 30 years since we pioneered automatic milking. We took into consideration the needs of cows and our customers to create an enhanced cow- and farmer-friendly milking system.
Astronaut USP's
Cow comfort
Achieve optimal comfort for your cows by letting them decide when to eat, drink, relax, or be milked. The hybrid arm, I-flow concept, teat detection system and the spacious design of the cow box contribute to a healthier cow and increase visiting behaviour.
Ease of use
The Astronaut is designed for cows and people, its user-friendly interface makes automatic milking easy to understand for everybody. The optional automatic milkfilter takes convenience to a next level. Stay in total control over your herd with cutting-edge management system, Lely Horizon: decision support at your fingertips.
Reliability
Three decades of experience and farmers insights helped us to improve the Astronaut's reliability in every new edition. This can be seen in its robustness but experienced through the new operating system. This provides reliability through resilience, adaptability and protection.
Build on experience
Features automatic milking robot
The Astronaut A5 Next is built on more than 30 years of experience in dairy automation, over 50,000 installed robots and with user insights from thousands of dairy farmers from more than 40 countries. This experience gives us a leading edge in automatic milking systems, providing significant performance returns for dairy farms worldwide.
The A5 Next comes with a completely new operating system (AOS-2). It is a smart partner which makes you ready for future technology and developments as well. This completely renewed nerve system brings heightened resilience, adaptability, and digital protection. The AOS-2 will become smarter and smarter and will not only help you today but also in the future. Stay ahead of your future with the AOS-2.
The completely renewed Teat Detection System 2+ fosters optimal teat detection and connects like a farmer. It has an improved connection performance combining the focus of the laser with the wide view of the camera. It also provides insights into failed milkings for pro-active preventive and is ready for future innovations in comprehensive monitoring.
The automatic milk filter automates the task of changing the filter socks. It is safe, easy, convenient and reduces labour.
Helps to secure quality of colostrum. It comes with improved fly protection and is easy to use and clean. It provides a more gentle and safer handling of separated milk.
The Astronaut now also enables Eartag ID. The A5 Next provides entry-level identification for enhanced flexibility.
The important first touch. The healthier the udders, the better the milk. This is why the Astronaut is equipped with a unique brush cleaning system that is designed to remove encrusted dirt and manure around the teats and the underside of the udders, ultimately stimulating milk let-down. After cleaning the teats, the brushes are thoroughly disinfected to help minimise the risk of cross-contamination.
Milking robot
Free Cow Traffic
With free cow traffic, the cow decides when she eats, drinks, lies down and is milked. This improves her well being. By taking care of our cows and putting extra effort into cow comfort, we are able to extend lifetime milk production. Sufficient space in the barn will also give the cow the opportunity to display her natural behavior and improve her overall well being. Thanks to the I-flow concept cows feel comfortable. With the silent hybrid arm and improved teat detection system cow comfort is increased even more.
I-flow concept and hybrid arm
I-flow concept
The Astronaut's I-flow concept is designed with cow comfort in mind. Cows dislike obstacles, which is why the I-flow concept offers a straight route with unhindered entrance, leading cows to their milking turn with ease. The cows enter the milking unit naturally, with no need to navigate sharp corners. Also, the cow stays within the comfort of the herd. The simple, straight-line design in and out of the milking box minimises stress and makes milking a seamless part of their daily routine.
Hybrid arm
The hybrid arm combines fast, silent and accurate electrical-driven movements with the softness and the power of air for stress-free milking. The air protects the electrical system by balancing the heavy load of the arm and buffering cow kicks. The hybrid arm is silent, allowing cows to experience more rest during milking.
Resources
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Our customers
Testimonials
The Lely Astronaut is a game changer. Here's what some real farmers have to say.
Disclaimer: Results have not been verified by Lely or an independent party. Your results may vary.
Kenyon, Minnesota
Alan & Andy Meyer
Two Lely Astronauts, one Lely Juno
The amount of time required to get the milking done is reduced to zero. You also get a lot of technology. When you move to automation, you literally change your lifestyle.
Cecil, Wisconsin
Ryan Horsens
12 Lely Astronauts, two Lely Junos
It’s been one of the best decisions we’ve ever made. We’re averaging about 113lbs of energy corrected milk per cow and we only expect that to go up.
Athens, Wisconsin
David Trimner
30 Lely Astronaut, three Lely Junos, one Lely Cosmix
The start-up was a very smooth process. Our service provider gave us someone who was experienced with start-ups and basically helped us walk through it all. We pre-trained the cows and they really got used to it quickly.
The process
Start-up and installation support
Before
Before the Astronaut comes into operation, we help you prepare your farm for automatic milking. This includes discussions on cow health, feeding, daily routines, Free Cow Traffic, and Partial Mixed Ratio feeding. We also provide training on robot operation and the associated management system.
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During
When the Astronaut is installed, the robot is extensively checked. Together we go through the new routines and group the cows. Once every detail is accurate, milking begins. During the initial milking, we provide intensive support.
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After
Once everything is up and running the start-up period ends and we begin with the next step to further optimise your farm according to your preferences. Together we will define which services will support you best.
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Media slider Astronaut pictures
Related solutions
Astronaut works well with
The Lely Astronaut robotic milking system is designed with a dedicated focus on optimum well‑being for both you and your herd. With this in mind, we offer a range of related products to complete your automated milking setup.
Milking
Producing high-quality milk requires time and care. It requires making choices that fit in with you and your goals. Our solutions for automatic milking help you make the right decisions to attain those goals.