Both Lely and Prolion plan to introduce their machines to the US market in the next 1-2 years. Two other companies have systems under development. It is expected to be on the European market in 1999 and the US market in 2000. Westfalia has a system in the development phase. It is recommended that the milking system be positioned between the resting and eating areas.
Cows move from the resting area to an identification station.
All systems have some form of automatic teat and udder cleaning system that is either part of the milking unit or a separate device. Conductivity, milk flow and duration of milking are measured by quarter. Data is stored and processed by a computerized management system. Teat cups are removed automatically and teats disinfected. Cows are then directed to the feeding area.