Zeta was launched during the Yellow Revolution Event today, where groundbreaking concepts are introduced that truly emphasize Lely’s innovative DNA. “With the use of Artificial Intelligence on the farm, a whole new chapter in dairy farming is starting. Zeta retrieves a wealth of information and data about what happens in the barn. We consider it a concept with high potential.” says Korstiaan Blokland, Director Innovations at Lely.
Overall view of the barn operation
The Lely Zeta concept consists of a network of fixtures with a camera, LED lighting and a minicomputer. By hanging Zeta fixtures in the right place in the barn and linking them together, the system creates an overall view of the herd, from above. The 24/7 camera vision combined with Artificial Intelligence object detection and smart algorithms enable Zeta to recognize cows and mobile robots, their location, specific behaviours and in-barn events. It’s a smart data-driven learning system that can use these results to improve barn operation. A key component of Zeta is its LED lighting. This dynamic lighting supports the cameras and provides clear images. For nighttime, a special 'full moon' mode has been developed that provides just enough twilight for the system to work in the barn.
The Zeta concept is backed by a strong future vision with many additional functionalities yet to be developed. It has the potential to greatly impact animal welfare and farmers' prosperity. In the end, the Zeta concept is designed to bring peace of mind to the farmer, knowing that his barn and cows are being monitored. A new revolutionary, visionary concept from Lely.
Collecting data to improve animal welfare
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Barn Monitor is set up with multiple fixtures above the herd to monitor health and detect heat. Efficient farm management requires accurate heat detection. The AI Barn Monitor’s heat function monitors aspects such as walking patterns and the variety of visited locations in the barn to determine whether a cow is in heat. Zeta will warn the farmer at the right time. The collected data is processed into information available in an app.
AI Barn Monitor will also be able to monitor and control other Lely mobile barn robots. This feature gives many management and optimalisation possibilities and offers immense opportunities for the future of dairy farming.
Next to AI Barn Monitor, Zeta offers AI Calving Monitor. Here the Zeta fixtures can be used individually. With a Zeta fixture directly above the calving pen, Zeta monitors the calving process. The system is trained to recognize the stages of calving and alert the farmer promptly when needed. Zeta AI Calving Monitor is currently being tested in the field, with promising results.
With Zeta, Lely sets direction towards the Farm of the Future. It brings more data to the table that is not directly related to just the cows. Lely will test and further develop features of the Zeta concept in the coming years. More information on commercial availability will be announced as soon as possible.
