A NEW robot to clean the manure from solid floors in cattle sheds has been launched by Dutch company Joz.
The latest innovation called the Barn-E is available in two sizes; 155cms as standard or an extra wide version of 185cms. They have been designed to clean all types of solid floors such as concrete and rubber.
Using the latest technology to move around, the Barn-E actually picks up the manure, stores it via a rotating feeder and then drives to the discharge point, where it deposits the collected manure. The Barn-E has a storage capacity of 370 litres on the smaller unit and 500 litres on the 185cms wide model.
Capable of speeds up to 6.5 metres per minute the Barn-E follows transponders in the floor but can also move independently navigating autonomously without using the guides.
The units use the company’s new software, Joz SAM (Surface Area Management), to determine the routes. A detailed sketch map is set up by the dealer before installation to assess the best routes for the robot.
Farmers gain access to the route manager app and can use this to easily adjust the schedule and routes via smartphone or PC/laptop.
The Barn-E maintains contact with the Joz access point, which is a separate element that is placed within a radius of 60 metres from the manure robot. The access point is connected to a fixed internet connection and forms the central point through which contact can be made with the robot via the route manager app.
Joz recommends the robot should clean the floor every two hours. Both models are powered by two 12V batteries that fully charge in up to two hours.
The shed must have at least 70cm free headroom for the Barn-E to move freely within it and there must be enough spaces for the cows to pass the robot when it’s in use.
The batteries are charged automatically at the charging station which is at the discharge location. After each route the manure robot returns to this discharge location where the collected manure is deposited and the battery recharged. This can be done at a location out of reach of the cows.
The manure robot is also resistant to splashing, so it can also deposit the collected manure outside the barn. Farmers can therefore place the charging location outside, but the company recommends this area is covered.
