Lely reaches milestone of 10,000 Discovery Collectors sold worldwide

Since its introduction in 2016, the Discovery Collector has helped dairy farmers around the world improve barn hygiene, enhance cow welfare and reduce labour intensity through autonomous manure collection. Today, more than 10,000 units have been sold worldwide, underlining the growing adoption of robotic barn cleaning solutions.

A milestone machine on tour

The 10,000th Discovery Collector has been purchased by a dairy farmer in France, Gauthier Lacroix. However, before it starts work on its new farm, the machine will make three special appearances at:

• France’s leading livestock exhibitions: SPACE in Rennes – 15-17 September
• Sommet de l'Élevage in Clermont-Ferrand – 6-9 October
• Foire de Poussay in Poussay – 24-25 October

Visitors to these events will have the opportunity to see the milestone machine up close and learn more about ten years of Discovery Collector innovation before the machine is installed.

Behind the assembly of the 10,000th Discovery Collector

To mark this special milestone, we closely monitored the assembly of the 10,000th Lely Discovery Collector from start to finish. Capturing the craftsmanship, dedication and attention to detail involved in building this landmark machine, we documented the process in a special video. We invite you to take a behind-the-scenes look at the journey of this unique Discovery Collector.

The farmer behind the milestone

The 10,000th Discovery Collector has been purchased by French dairy farmer Gauthier Lacroix. Ahead of the machine's installation on his farm, Gauthier recently visited the Lely Campus in Maassluis to see his Discovery Collector and learn more about its assembly and development. Reflecting on his decision, he explains: "We chose the Lely Discovery Collector because of its simplicity and the proven expertise behind it." The installation of the milestone machine on Gauthier's farm will be featured later this year.

Creating better conditions, every day

Reaching 10,000 Discovery Collectors sold worldwide reflects the growing adoption of robotic barn cleaning solutions across the dairy industry. What started as an innovative concept ten years ago has evolved into a proven solution on farms around the world, supporting cleaner barn floors, improved cow comfort and greater labour efficiency.

Across thousands of farms worldwide, continuous barn cleaning has become part of a different way of working. A way that reduces repetitive tasks, supports consistent cleanliness and helps create better conditions for cows every day. This is what discovering the brighter way means in practice.

The milestone not only marks the success of the Discovery Collector but also demonstrates the increasing role of automation in supporting the future of dairy farming