A new generation of the DairyRobot R9500 and DairyProQ automatic milking systems from GEA, look set to bring enhancements to the milking technology module, the In-Liner Everything milking process and the MilkRack milking unit, among other benefits.

A new service concept will also lower maintenance costs and minimise system downtimes, while a comprehensive software package aims to optimise milking.

Dairy farmers should benefit from increased availability, more milkings and milk per day, according to GEA, which combined with reduced operating costs of up to 35% compared to the predecessor model, should allow increased profits.

For existing DairyRobot R9500 or Monobox and DairyProQ systems, appropriate upgrade packages can be purchased to take advantage of the new features.

The proven In-Liner Everything technology performs every step of the milking process – stimulation, cleaning/pre-dipping, pre-milking, milking and dipping – in just one single procedure. The dipping agent in the In-Liner Everything process is applied to both in the teat cup and teat, which means the teat rubber surface is also wetted.

As a result, the dipping agent disinfects the teat skin as well as the teat cup. This can eliminate the need for intermediate disinfection with peracetic acid. In the following, the camera and teat cup are now cleaned in parallel. These process improvements not only shorten the box time for more milkings per day, they also protect the environment and reduce operating costs.

Innovation to the DairyRobot R9500 now allows, with just one click in the MView control, a convenient separation mode to be activated. This allows animals whose milk is being separated to be milked as a group without intermediate rinsing or cleaning after each individual cow which saves time and reduces water, detergent and energy consumption. It also means that milking systems are ready for use again more quickly for following cows.

For the new generation of automatic milking systems, GEA has fundamentally revised the regular service intervals and service packages. Longer-lasting materials and extended service intervals result in significantly lower service costs.

In addition, milking technology modules have been improved. The company's redesigned modules with optimised technical components ensures a longer service life. Extended installation space allows better accessibility to the module components and faster replacement of control service parts for continued milking and minimised downtime.

The new system also features an optimised MilkRack: new cup segments increase the service life of the round belts and enable the cleaning position to be adjusted with less maintenance. And with fewer gaps, it is now less susceptible to contamination.

Up to four milking robots can be connected to the supply unit of the DairyRobot R9500 which enhances energy efficiency and provides flexibility for future expansion. Optional empty space modules have been developed accordingly for the DairyProQ milking carousel. These can be used to reduce investment costs and increase throughput capacity at the appropriate time by retrofitting additional milking parlour modules.