Lely’s Astronaut was born in Holland in 1992. Appearance of this automatic milking robot in the dairy field made farmer’s dream come true.
Since 1995 when Lely launched Astronaut worldwide, more than 3200 units have come into use around the globe. In Japan at present (as of April 1,2006), 150 units are operated in 120 farms and testing bodies.

Astronaut gives no restriction on cow’s movement while it milks. So it provides comfortable space that contributes to the cow’s voluntary visit to the robot. What milking without man’s hand realized is its unique design applying the animal’s dynamics and ethology. It requires only small space of about 4 cubicles. Astronaut, operative 24-hours-a-day, 365-days-a-year, relieves man from heavy but important milking work, which should not be skipped even a single day. With this milking robot, farmers are sure to be free from milking load and be able to improve the quality of their work.