Automatic milking solution
Lely Astronaut A5 Next milking robot
Introduction
The next step in automatic milking
The Lely Astronaut A5 Next is an advanced milking robot built on more than 30 years of experience in automatic milking. This Lely robotic milking system combines proven technology with a clear understanding of the needs of cows and dairy farmers. The result is an enhanced automatic milking solution that supports cow comfort, ease of use and efficient farm management.
Astronaut A5 Next USPs
Cow comfort
Achieve optimal comfort for your cows by letting them decide when to eat, drink, relax, or be milked. The hybrid arm, I-flow concept, teat detection system and the spacious design of the cow box contribute to a healthier cow and increase visiting behaviour.
Ease of use
The Astronaut is designed for cows and people. Its user-friendly interface makes automatic milking easy to understand. The optional Automatic milk filter takes convenience to the next level. Stay in control of your herd with the Lely Horizon farm management application, providing decision support at your fingertips.
Reliability
Three decades of experience and insights from farmers have helped us to improve the Astronaut's reliability in every new edition. This is reflected in the system’s robust design and its new operating system. This provides reliability through resilience, adaptability and protection.
Return on investment
When developing and testing a new edition of the Lely Astronaut, we pay a lot of attention to the total cost of ownership. We continuously monitor water and energy consumption, as well as the serviceability of components and systems.
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Lely Astronaut features
Built on experience
Built on experience
More features of our automatic milking robot
The Astronaut A5 Next is built on more than 30 years of experience in dairy automation, over 50,000 installed robots and with user insights from thousands of dairy farmers from more than 40 countries. This experience gives us a leading edge in automatic milking systems, providing significant performance returns for dairy farms worldwide.
The A5 Next comes with a completely new operating system (AOS-2). It is a smart partner designed to prepare your farm for future technologies and developments. This completely renewed operating system brings heightened resilience, adaptability, and digital protection. The AOS-2 will continue to develop and will not only help you today but also in the future. Stay ahead of your future with the AOS-2.
The Automatic milk filter automates the task of changing the filter socks. It is easy, convenient and reduces labour.
The completely renewed Teat detection system 2+ fosters optimal teat detection and connects like a farmer. It has an improved connection performance combining the focus of the laser with the wide view of the camera. It also provides insights into failed milkings for pro-active preventive and is ready for future innovations in comprehensive monitoring.
Helps to secure quality of colostrum. It comes with improved fly protection and is easy to use and clean. It provides a more gentle and safer handling of separated milk.
The Astronaut now also enables Eartag ID. The A5 Next provides entry-level identification for enhanced flexibility.
The important first touch. The healthier the udders, the better the milk. This is why the Astronaut is equipped with a unique brush cleaning system that is designed to remove encrusted dirt and manure around the teats and the underside of the udders, ultimately stimulating milk let-down. After cleaning the teats, the brushes are thoroughly disinfected to help minimise the risk of cross-contamination.
The process
Start-up and installation support milking robot
Before
Before the Astronaut comes into operation, we help you prepare your farm for automatic milking. This includes discussions on cow health, feeding, daily routines, Free Cow Traffic, and Partial Mixed Ratio feeding. We also provide training on robot operation and the associated management system.
01
During
When the Astronaut is installed, the robot is extensively checked. Together we go through the new routines and group the cows. Once every detail is accurate, milking begins. During the initial milking, we provide intensive support.
02
After
Once everything is up and running, the start-up period ends and we begin with the next step to further optimise your farm according to your preferences. Together we will define which services will support you best.
03
Our customers
Dairy farmers’ experiences with Lely milking robots
Lugli Fondo Spinosa
2x Astronaut A5 Next, 3x Astronaut A5, 8x Astronaut A4
There has been an undeniable, continuous improvement in the hardware and software, which has improved every aspect of milking.
David Cargill
Northern Ireland
Five months into robotic milking, we have more profit coming forward already.
Willard Wigboldus
2x Astronaut A5 Next
With the new operating system, I know that I am ready for the future.
Resources
Lely Astronaut A5 Next brochure
Download the Lely Astronaut A5 Next brochure
Astronaut A5 Next
Discover the next step in milking. Download the brochure and receive more information.
Frequently asked questions
Questions farmers ask about the Lely Astronaut
Yes. With the right setup, like a Grazeway gate and a grazing plan, cows can go out to pasture and still return to the robot for milking. Many farms use AB or ABC grazing systems to support this. A portion of feed in the robot also encourages visits.
The cost of a Lely Astronaut milking robot depends on a range of factors, including the size and layout of your farm, the number of cows, the number of robots required, installation requirements and any additional equipment, software or service agreements that may be included.
Because every dairy farm has unique needs and objectives, there is no single price that applies to all situations. The best way to receive an accurate price indication is to contact your local Lely Center. Their specialists can discuss your farm's specific requirements and help you explore a solution that fits your operation, goals and budget.
In many cases, the Lely Astronaut can also be integrated into existing barns, so that a completely new building is often not necessary. The key factors are sufficient space for the robot, and sufficient space for animal flow, like appropriate walking routes for the cows to the robot and to the feed fence. Existing barns are often modified to create optimal operations. A detailed on-site assessment will determine which structural modifications are appropriate for each specific situation.
The Lely Astronaut takes care of udder health by creating a milking for the cows in a calm and consistent way. Before milking, the teats are cleaned and the cow gets stimulated to produce oxytocin. Each cow is brushed on her own needs and milked based on her own milk flow. This in order to help reduce stress on the teats by being milked longer than needed. After milking, the teats are sprayed automatically with an udder care product. At the same time, the robot keeps an eye on udder health, by measuring the conductivity of the milk and cell count of the individual cow to help you spot changes early. Together with good housing, hygiene, and daily management, this supports healthy udders on the farm.
Most farms run about 60 cows per robot, depending on herd size, production levels, and barn layout. Some farms run fewer, others more. It depends on your goals and how the system is managed.
Do I have to switch everything over at once? No. Some farms start with one robot and keep their parlour running during the transition. It’s possible to phase in robotic milking gradually, depending on your setup and preferences.
The Lely Astronaut A5 Next builds on the proven technology and experience of the Lely Astronaut A5. The A5 Next introduces a new operating system and updated features while continuing to support the principles of automatic milking. It is designed to prepare dairy farms for future technologies and developments.
Media slider Astronaut pictures
Related solutions
Astronaut works well with
The Lely Astronaut robotic milking system is designed with a dedicated focus on optimum well‑being for both you and your herd. With this in mind, we offer a range of related products to complete your automated milking setup.
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Take the next step in milking
See how the Lely Astronaut A5 Next could fit into your operation. Speak to an expert and receive practical recommendations tailored to your farm, goals and future plans.