88 | nzdairy DAIRY SERVICES » Waikato Milking Systems Semi-robotic technology way forward Designed to enhance speed, productivity, and efficiency, ErgoPOD™ focuses on optimising milking processes while safeguarding cow and operator well-being. Richard Loader Founded almost 60 years ago in New Zealand’s dairy heartland, Waikato Milking Systems, has played a pivotal role in transforming dairy farming, supporting both small family-owned dairies and large-scale operations. Through a pioneering spirit and dedication to research, science, and technology, Waikato Milking Systems has advanced the industry’s productivity, performance, profitability, and sustainability. “As a company we’ve made it our mission to be the number one supplier of rotary systems globally and that’s where our research and development is heading,” says Grant Wisnewski, GM Sales and Operations for the Asia Pacific Region. “In New Zealand there’s becoming a greater preference for rotary milking systems because a rotary allows for milking larger herds with fewer people. However, we also supply a significant number of herringbone systems worldwide.” Grant says technology and innovation is critical for today’s dairy farmer in that it can provide real time analytics, of everything from feed inputs to milk production and milk composition to cows coming on heat, to optimise every aspect of the farming process from herd management, parlour management to milk production and beyond. “By harnessing data and technology, farmers are able to make real-time decisions based on realtime accurate data. “Waikato Milking Systems is now integrating these real-time analytics into new semi-robotic innovations, which further enhances the milking process and greatly reduces labour inputs on the farm.” In 2023, Waikato Milking Systems introduced the prototype for ErgoPOD™, a state-of-the-art semirobotic technology designed to increase milking speed, productivity, and efficiency in the parlour. Now, at this year’s Fieldays in June, Waikato Milking Systems will unveil the final production version of ErgoPOD™, which will be commercially available for installation on farms early in 2025. “We expect it to be a major development in the rotary market globally,” says Grant. To unlock the significant productivity gains that ErgoPOD™ now provides, Waikato Milking Systems embarked on a mission several years ago to understand the barriers and challenges that limit milking efficiency. By studying the work routines of milking operators, they identified the activities that increased effort for the operator and posed musculoskeletal challenges leading to fatigue and health impacts. “We also meticulously analysed every aspect of the milking routine to identify opportunities for automation that would reduce labour and make milking easier.” The culmination of Waikato Milking Machine’s research and development efforts, guided by a milking science-based approach, resulted in ErgoPOD™, a ground-breaking milking management system that significantly reduces the effort required in milking, breaks productivity barriers, and creates a healthier, safer milking environment. Designed to enhance speed, productivity, and efficiency, ErgoPOD™ focuses on optimising milking processes while safeguarding cow and operator well-being. “At Waikato Milking Systems, we’re committed to empowering dairy farmers with technology that prioritises efficiency, safety, and animal welfare,” says Grant. “Through automation and smart technologies, we’re pioneering a semi-robotic revolution that will transform milking practices. ErgoPOD™ production version will be unveiled at Fieldays’ Waikato Milking Systems site M12. “Farmers can come and see ErgoPOD™ on site, and discover how it accelerates milking and decreases labour requirements on larger farms.” After years of development ErgoPOD™ promises to revolutionise milking for dairy farmers worldwide. “Through automation and smart technologies, we’re pioneering a semi-robotic revolution that will transform milking practices.” Te Awamutu P: 07 871 6781 2WVÞTWTW P: 07 883 3423 ĤVQTQJCPIC P: 07 873 8500
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