Lely has equipped its Vector feeding robot with a fully integrated impact detection bumper.
Mounted in front of the bumper, the sensors stop the Vector as soon as they detect an obstacle within 50cm to 1.0m from the machine.
The robot automatically resumes its route once the obstruction has moved and the obstacle detection sensors switch off during feed dispensing and pushing to prevent cows at the feed fence from stopping the machine.
Lely says that the sensors further increase the safety of farm staff and animals, and can also prevent damage to vehicles that are parked along the feeding robots route.
The obstacle detection sensors can be retro-fitted to second-generation Vector feeding robots.