Pharm Robotics Enhances Dairy Cow Inoculation with Advanced Automation
Source: The DairyNews
Pharm Robotics, an agtech company based in San Jacinto, California, has made significant strides in automating the inoculation process for dairy cows. The company's SureShot auto-inoculation system, introduced two years ago, leverages robotics and automation to streamline this critical task for dairy farmers.
Each cow in the herd wears an ear tag with an embedded RFID chip. The Pharm Robotics system reads these tags as cows enter the milking barn, identifying which animals need immunization. The cows requiring inoculation are restrained using a two-part bumper system, allowing an industrial robotic arm to administer the injection. Once inoculated, the cow is released.
This automation allows farmers to focus on other important tasks while ensuring the herd's health is maintained. Pharm Robotics was recognized as a 2022 RBR50 award winner for its innovative technology.
Enhancements to SureShot
At the World Ag Expo this year, Pharm Robotics showcased a demonstration of SureShot tailored for rotary parlors in partnership with Hansen Industries Inc. They also announced the integration of the Intel RealSense 3D camera into the system, enhancing the precision of the inoculations. The Intel RealSense camera aids in accurate shot-site acquisition, improving the overall efficiency and precision of the robotic arm.
Additionally, Pharm Robotics has conducted a thorough evaluation of 3D imaging technologies to refine the SureShot system into a robust minimum viable product (MVP). The company is now focusing on integrating the data-processing capabilities of the RealSense camera with a programmable logic controller (PLC) to ensure seamless data flow and precise robotic movements.
Improved Pharmaceutical Management
Pharm Robotics is also enhancing the system's medication management by integrating a cooling unit with refrigerated lines. This ensures medications are stored and administered at proper temperatures, maintaining their safety and effectiveness. The refrigerated lines reduce medication waste by keeping the drugs primed and ready for administration.
Upcoming Testing and Deployment
Pharm Robotics is preparing for Phase IV proof-of-concept and MVP testing at a 50-stall rotary dairy in Visalia, California. CEO Alika Chuck explained that this phase would involve temporarily installing the robot to assess critical parameters such as speed per stall during injections, RFID reading accuracy, and monitoring medication levels and temperature requirements.
If successful, the company plans to purchase an additional robot arm and deploy the unit to a committed customer with a 120-stall rotary in Northern California. This testing phase is crucial for ensuring the efficiency and accuracy of the SureShot system before wider deployment.
Pharm Robotics continues to push the boundaries of agtech, offering innovative solutions to enhance dairy farming practices and improve herd health management.
This automation allows farmers to focus on other important tasks while ensuring the herd's health is maintained. Pharm Robotics was recognized as a 2022 RBR50 award winner for its innovative technology.
Enhancements to SureShot
At the World Ag Expo this year, Pharm Robotics showcased a demonstration of SureShot tailored for rotary parlors in partnership with Hansen Industries Inc. They also announced the integration of the Intel RealSense 3D camera into the system, enhancing the precision of the inoculations. The Intel RealSense camera aids in accurate shot-site acquisition, improving the overall efficiency and precision of the robotic arm.
Additionally, Pharm Robotics has conducted a thorough evaluation of 3D imaging technologies to refine the SureShot system into a robust minimum viable product (MVP). The company is now focusing on integrating the data-processing capabilities of the RealSense camera with a programmable logic controller (PLC) to ensure seamless data flow and precise robotic movements.
Improved Pharmaceutical Management
Pharm Robotics is also enhancing the system's medication management by integrating a cooling unit with refrigerated lines. This ensures medications are stored and administered at proper temperatures, maintaining their safety and effectiveness. The refrigerated lines reduce medication waste by keeping the drugs primed and ready for administration.
Upcoming Testing and Deployment
Pharm Robotics is preparing for Phase IV proof-of-concept and MVP testing at a 50-stall rotary dairy in Visalia, California. CEO Alika Chuck explained that this phase would involve temporarily installing the robot to assess critical parameters such as speed per stall during injections, RFID reading accuracy, and monitoring medication levels and temperature requirements.
If successful, the company plans to purchase an additional robot arm and deploy the unit to a committed customer with a 120-stall rotary in Northern California. This testing phase is crucial for ensuring the efficiency and accuracy of the SureShot system before wider deployment.
Pharm Robotics continues to push the boundaries of agtech, offering innovative solutions to enhance dairy farming practices and improve herd health management.
