The future you choose, the colour you trust
Automatic milking that supports the way you farm
Automatic milking by Lely
The future you choose, the colour you trust
When you choose automatic milking, you choose how your farm will run every day. For your cows, for your work. For the future of your farm. You need a solution that fits your goals and supports the natural rhythm of your herd, while giving you clear insights. The Lely Astronaut is designed around that principle.
Five benefits why farmers choose Lely automatic milking
You choose a milking system you can rely on. One that keeps your farm running, day after day. That is why so many farmers choose the Lely Astronaut. Because it proves itself where it matters most: on the farm. Solutions you can rely on. Support you can count on. A future you can build with confidence. Below, read our five main benefits.
Proven innovation
A milking robot should do one thing above all: keep going. That is why farmers choose the Lely Astronaut. It proves itself on farms, every single day. Decades of experience in automatic milking are built into every detail. Each generation improves on what has already been proven in practice. Thousands of farms rely on the Lely Astronaut to perform consistently, day after day, all year long.
24/7 local service support
Technology is only part of what makes automatic milking work. What matters most is knowing someone understands your farm and is there when you need them. Your local Lely Center provides service, advice and expertise from specialists who know your region and your farm. From planning and installation to daily use, you’re never on your own.
Clear insights for confident decisions
Running a dairy farm means making decisions every day. Horizon, together with the Astronaut, turns your farm data into clear, actionable insights you can actually use. No complicated dashboards. No specialist training. Just the information you need, when you need it. So you can spot changes early and make decisions with confidence.
Precision in every milking, caring for every cow
When cows follow their natural rhythm, stress decreases and routines become calmer. The Lely Astronaut is designed from the cow’s perspective, supporting free cow traffic and natural behaviour. During each milking, the system monitors changes in behaviour, production and milk quality. So you can recognise small changes early and act before they become bigger problems.
In control over your day
Many farmers say the real moment of truth isn’t installation day. It’s the first weekend away. With the Lely Astronaut, you don’t just save time, you gain the confidence to use it. Milking no longer defines your day, so you can focus on what matters most, while staying in control of your farm.
Customer stories
Trusted by farmers around the world
Dairy farmer, Netherlands
The biggest difference is the flexibility. The cows follow their own rhythm and the robot keeps milking.
Dairy farmer, Germany
The reliability convinced us. Once the system runs, you know it will keep working
Dairy farmer, United Kingdom
With Horizon we understand our herd much better and can react faster.
Farming insights
Learn more about automatic milking
Frequently asked questions
Questions about automatic milking
Farmers considering automatic milking often have practical questions about installation, barn integration and daily operation. Below you can find answers to some of the questions farmers ask most often.
Automatic milking can benefit many dairy farms, but the best solution always depends on the specific situation of the farm. Farmers often consider robotic milking when they want more flexibility in their daily routine, when labour is limited or when they want more insight into herd performance. Speak with your local Lely Center to discuss your situation in more detail.
In many cases milking robots can be integrated into existing barns. During the planning phase, the barn layout is analysed and adjustments can be made to support efficient cow traffic and robot access. Small changes to gates, feeding areas or cow flow are often enough to make robotic milking work effectively. Your local Lely Center can help assess how automatic milking could fit into your current barn.
For many farmers the transition begins with an analysis of the farm and the existing barn layout. Together with a Lely specialist, farmers evaluate cow traffic, barn design and herd size to determine the best setup for automatic milking. Once the plan is in place, the robot is installed and the herd gradually becomes familiar with the new system. During the first weeks you receive guidance to help the transition run smoothly. In many cases cows adapt quickly as they learn to visit the robot independently.
The capacity of a milking robot depends on several factors, including herd size, cow traffic and management routines. A robot can efficiently serve a group of cows when the system is properly integrated into the barn layout. Your Lely advisor can help determine how many robots would best fit your herd and your farm.
Yes, grazing can be combined with automatic milking. Many farmers successfully combine grazing with robotic milking by managing cow traffic between pasture and barn. Different grazing strategies can be used depending on the farm layout and your management goals.
Energy consumption depends on the configuration of the system, herd size and the way the farm is managed. Modern milking robots are designed to operate efficiently while maintaining consistent performance throughout the day. During the planning phase your Lely advisor can discuss the expected energy use for your specific farm situation.
Discover more
Automatic milking with the Lely Astronaut
Farmers around the world rely on the Lely Astronaut for reliable and efficient automatic milking. Discover how the system supports healthier cows, efficient routines and a confident future for your farm.