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The Digital Heartbeat of Dairy Cows

Lely Astronaut A5

By Lely

Last reviewed: December 2025

The Lely Astronaut A5 robotic milking system offers advanced automation with I-flow design for natural cow traffic and optimal milking efficiency.

Overview

The Lely Astronaut A5 represents the latest generation of Lely's robotic milking technology, featuring I-flow cow traffic design that allows cows to enter and exit in a natural walking pattern.

Key Features

I-Flow Design

  • Natural cow movement pattern
  • Open design reduces stress
  • Easy access and egress
  • One-way traffic flow
  • Milking Performance

  • IntelliFlow milk system
  • Individual quarter milking
  • Automatic teat detection
  • Consistent attachment quality
  • Health Monitoring

  • MQC-C milk quality control
  • Real-time health indicators
  • Color and conductivity measurement
  • Cell count estimation
  • Capacity and Performance

    Throughput

  • 60-70 cows per robot typical
  • Dependent on herd characteristics
  • Multiple milkings per day
  • Milking Time

    Efficient milking with optimized attachment and cluster removal.

    Integration

    Data Management

  • Lely T4C management system
  • Mobile app access
  • Report generation
  • Alert notifications
  • Herd Management

    Comprehensive data for decision-making on health, reproduction, and production.

    Installation Considerations

    Facility Requirements

  • Proper barn layout
  • Cow traffic design
  • Electrical and water
  • Waste management
  • Training

  • Cow adaptation period
  • Staff training program
  • Ongoing support
  • Benefits

    Labor Flexibility

    Reduced scheduled milking labor.

    Cow Comfort

    Cows choose milking times.

    Data Insights

    Individual cow monitoring improves management.

    Support and Service

    Lely provides comprehensive service network and support programs.

    Key Features

    • I-flow Cow Traffic: Patented design guides cows naturally through the robot for optimal traffic flow
    • Hybrid Arm System: Combines speed and precision for faster attachment and milking
    • MQC-C Milk Quality Control: Real-time analysis of conductivity, color, and cell count indicators
    • 3D Teat Detection: Advanced camera system for accurate teat location on any udder
    • Lely Horizon Integration: Cloud-based farm management platform with comprehensive analytics

    Advanced Features

    • Individual Quarter Milking: Removes cups individually as each quarter finishes for optimal udder health
    • Pulsation Control: Adjustable pulsation settings for individual cow comfort
    • Automatic Cleaning: Self-cleaning protocols maintain hygiene between milkings

    Ideal For

    Farm Types: Dairy farms, Organic dairies, Grazing operations

    Competitive Advantages

    What sets Lely Astronaut A5 apart from alternatives:

    • Industry pioneer with most installed robots worldwide
    • Patented I-flow design optimizes voluntary cow traffic
    • Comprehensive dealer and support network
    • Integrated ecosystem with feeding, bedding, and manure systems

    Pricing Information

    Here is the pricing information for Lely Astronaut A5:

    Lely fully automatic robotic milking system.

    Pricing Model: Robotic milking system

    Lely dealer network. Industry-leading cow traffic and welfare focus. Contact for farm assessment.

    Pros & Considerations

    Advantages:
    • Industry-leading robotic milking
    • Excellent cow experience
    • Lely management ecosystem
    • Strong service network
    • Continuous innovation
    Considerations:
    • Premium investment
    • Lely-specific ecosystem
    • Building design requirements
    • Service relationship needed

    Implementation & Setup

    How to implement Lely Astronaut A5 on your dairy operation:

    Implementation Timeline: 4-8 weeks from order to operational

    Training & Support

    Training and support options available for Lely Astronaut A5:

    Support Channels:

      Evaluation Questions

      Key questions to consider when evaluating Lely Astronaut A5:

      1. What is your current herd size and expansion plans?
      2. Is your barn layout suitable for robot installation?
      3. What are your labor cost savings expectations?
      4. How will you manage the transition period for cows?

      Explore Robotic Milking Systems

      Explore all Robotic Milking Systems solutions in the Therio Dairy Directory to compare features, pricing, and alternatives.

      Browse All Robotic Milking Systems Solutions →

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      About Lely

      Learn more about Lely and their complete product lineup on their company profile page.

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