Method in a livestock management system, livestock farm therewith and robot control programme

Abstract

A method is provided for coupling a mobile device to a robot device on a livestock farm. The mobile device has an NFC chip device, and the robot device is for animal-related operations and has a robot control system. The method comprises providing an external, programmable NFC chip, using the mobile device to open an app store or website having a downloadable robot control program for the robot device, downloading and starting the robot control program, and also establishing a connection between the mobile device and the robot device, detecting robot devices within a connection range, and selecting the robot device and, if necessary, logging in to it. By scanning the external NFC chip again with the mobile device, the NFC chip is automatically programmed by the robot control program with generated fill-in instructions and data which, in the event of a subsequent NFC contact with the mobile device, automatically start the robot control program and establish the active connection. A livestock farm and a robot control program for the method are also provided.

Description

[0001] Method in a livestock management system, livestock farm therewith, and robot control program

[0002] The present invention relates to a method for the active coupling in a livestock management system of a mobile device to a livestock-related robot facility in a livestock farm.

[0003] Nowadays, automation and robotization in livestock farming are increasing more and more rapidly. These robots can be controlled in a variety of ways, such as via an interface on the equipment itself, or via remote control, such as via a computer in an office. However, the robots are increasingly operated by a mobile device, in particular by a mobile phone. The mobile phone must then be actively connected via a wireless connection to the desired device or robot.

[0004] However, a livestock farm is not a clean environment. Dust particles, bedding material, even manure splashes can be deposited on the mobile device. Operators often wear gloves and therefore have difficulty in operating the mobile device, which almost always has a touch screen. As the operator usually carries the mobile device with him, which means that the mobile device will move out of range of the network more than once during a day, and as the operator would also have to be able to operate different robots on the livestock farm, it is important to provide a simple method for actively coupling said mobile device and the robot device.

[0005] The present invention provides such a method according to Claim 1.

[0006] One of the advantages of this method is that it minimizes the actions to be carried out, at least after the initial active coupling. An important aspect here is that it is not necessary to use a separate program to program the NFC chip, but that this facility is built into the robot control program. Not even a computer is actually necessary. This has become possible because the number of possible instructions and data is relatively limited, so that this can relatively easily be made part of the robot control program. It is certainly true that the data are limited, but they are also (highly) complex. Automation makes this simple and error-free.

[0007] It also provides the facility for application to new and old robot devices by coupling the programmable NFC chip to such a robot device. The NFC chip does not necessarily have to be provided on the robot device here, but obviously preferably within the network and within the visibility range of the robot device. For example, the NFC chip can be sent by post. There is no need to create a separate programmable NFC chip for each type of robot device, as it is in principle programmed by that robot device, or at least the control device thereof. Furthermore, it is easy to replace a defective or otherwise mislaid programmable NFC chip with a new one. It is even possible to use the same programmable NFC chip for a different device, such as a replacement or newer robot device. In all such cases, there is no need to provide the programmable NFC chip in advance with instructions associated with the robot device, but rather one and the same type of NFC chip can suffice. This makes it much easier for the manufacturer, the user and the maintenance personnel of the robot devices. The manufacturer, for example, does not need to stock all different NFC chips, but rather only one type. After all, it is only a matter of visiting the app store, where the user can download the appropriate robot control program for his mobile device, and then the mobile device can program the external programmable NFC chip with that robot control program.

[0008] It is well known per se, for example, to prompt a telephone to automatically connect to a device as soon as that telephone and that device come within range of each other, either directly or via a network. However, according to the present invention, a connection is established selectively to a specific device in order to prevent a situation where an unwanted connection is established and the robot control program is started, and a command is inadvertently issued or a setting is changed. It is also known to provide, for example, a sticker with a QR code, which, when scanned, directs the phone or the like to a specific website. A sticker of this type is again not programmable.

[0009] According to the present invention, the downloadable robot control program can be dedicated to the specific robot device. However, it is also possible for the downloadable robot control program to be able to activate or control more than one type of robot device. Examples of such a robot control program are the Control app and the Control Plus app from Lely Industries N.V. One or more available downloadable robot control programs are available in the app store, at least one of which is suitable and intended for the robot installation concerned. It should be noted that the robot device itself can have a control system, the robot control system, which can be controlled, for example, via a wired network or an interface on the robot device itself. The downloadable robot control program can, for example, be a layer for communicating with said robot operating system via the mobile device. Similarly, the mobile device has a built-in control, as well as an interface for exchanging commands and data with the user.

[0010] According to the invention, the mobile device is designed to establish an active Internet connection, and is also configured to establish a wireless connection. Most mobile devices sold on the present priority date have these facilities. By far the majority of such mobile devices are smartphones. However, tablets, PDAs and other mobile devices are also possible. The Internet connection can run via a browser, to download and / or open an application (robot control program) from a website, but preferably via an app store. The latter is often much more secure, and often gives a safer and better choice.

[0011] In the step of displaying a list of devices, obviously only those devices that can be controlled by the robot control program concerned are relevant. The robot control program is preferably configured to display only such robot devices. Furthermore, only those devices that are within a connection range of the mobile device are (obviously) displayed. This connection range can depend on many factors that are known per se, such as the transmit power of the mobile device and the robot device, environmental influences, etc.

[0012] Establishing an active connection often comprises logging in to said robot device. This login may comprise one or more additional actions, such as entering a code, which is generated, for example, by the robot device. This is not necessary, but is advisable to prevent unauthorized access to the robot device. It should be noted that, in the final step according to Claim 1 , the active connection is already present, but the external NFC chip is programmed to automatically establish that active connection after a subsequent NFC contact is disconnected.

[0013] The data and / or fill-in instructions comprise, in particular, the MAC address of the robot device. In addition, they comprise the start address of the robot control program, and can comprise the device type of the robot device, and instructions for automatically starting the robot control program associated with the robot device, such as the aforementioned Control / Control Plus app, in the mobile device.

[0014] Special embodiments are described in the dependent claims, as well as in the following part of the description.

[0015] In principle, according to the invention, it is sufficient to provide a random but programmable NFC chip. A user with knowledge of the robot control program and / or the app store can proceed to the correct app store, or possibly website, himself on his mobile device, select the device, and download and start the robot control program. Such experienced users include maintenance technicians, installers and also experienced livestock farmers. However, it is possible to make the method even easier by adding a preparatory step. In embodiments, the step of using the mobile device to direct the user interface to said app store comprises providing basic instructions on said external programmable NFC chip which, when they are read by said NFC chip device, direct the user interface of said mobile device to said app store, and initially reading said basic instructions by establishing NFC contact between the NFC chip device of the mobile device and the external, programmable NFC chip. The basic instructions are then read here by the mobile device to be subsequently carried out. No special knowledge of computers or the like is further required. The basic instructions can, for example, be installed by the robot device manufacturer on the NFC chip provided to the customer. In practice, the user can, for example, first use his mobile device to check whether there is something on the NFC chip by scanning said chip. If not, the user will have to carry out the steps himself. However, these instructions can also be provided via an instruction website, such as a video on YouTube or another channel.

[0016] The basic instructions according to these embodiments are instructions which, when they are read by said NFC chip device, direct the user interface to an app store, or possibly an Internet site, which contains a downloadable robot control program for the robot device intended for the mobile device. In other words, the app store is opened, or a website is possibly visited, on the mobile device. This can be done in different ways. Thus, for example, the basic instructions can direct the browser to a type of home page containing only a list of types of robot device, with or without a manual or explanation of the website. The user can then select the desired type of robot device, whereupon the user is directed to the correct app store having a downloadable robot control program. However, it is possible, in particular, to provide basic instructions whereby the user is directed straight to the app store of the provider of the external NFC chip, such as a robot device manufacturer. The correct type of robot device or the robot control program can then be selected directly in that app store. In the first-mentioned case, it is easy to add robot devices from all manner of different manufacturers, as the website only has to link to the app store of these other manufacturers. In the second case, this may be somewhat more difficult, since the robot control programs of robot devices from other manufacturers should, in principle, also be included in the app store of the provider of the external NFC chip, but this is not impossible.

[0017] In embodiments, the method further comprises providing an additional programmable NFC chip, as well as establishing NFC contact with said additional programmable NFC chip in order to program said additional programmable NFC chip with said fill-in instructions and data. It is assumed here that the mobile device with which the NFC contact is established is actively connected to the robot device, and the robot control program has already generated the fill-in instructions and data, and can therefore program the additional programmable NFC chip therewith. It is therefore intended as an additional step. A plurality of additional programmable NFC chips can obviously also be provided. One application of the one or more additional programmable NFC chips, and also for the programmable NFC chip according to the general invention, is that, for example, a robot vehicle that is to be controlled, as a robot device, can be located in many places in the livestock farm. By providing the programmed NFC chips in different locations, the user can establish an active connection to that robot vehicle in many locations without having to get (too) close to the vehicle himself. It should again be noted that it is known per se to automatically connect to a device in a wireless network, but that it is desirable, particularly in the case of robot devices, to connect directly to the correct robot device. Therefore, according to the invention, a targeted connection is always made, and not unwittingly, as might otherwise occur in a network.

[0018] In embodiments, the fill-in instructions and data may contain a subinstruction to proceed to a predetermined or user-selected sub-part of said robot control program. With a deep link of this type, it is possible not only to choose the type of robot device from a menu, but even to make a further selection from a sub-page, menu item, etc. This can be beneficial if the robot device has a plurality of components that can be operated or adjusted separately. It is possible, for example, to operate components of a milking robot with a targeted programmed external NFC chip, wherein the fill-in instructions include a sub-instruction to proceed to the operating page for the robot arm.

[0019] The desired sub-instruction can be generated in a variety of ways. In particular, said sub-instruction is generated by the user by proceeding to said part before prompting the robot control program to generate the fill-in instructions and data.

[0020] The fill-in instructions and data can generally be generated by operating a function / button in the robot control program such as "Generate" or "OK". The robot control program will then collect the necessary instructions and data, and convert them into a suitable format for programming. It is also possible for the robot control program to dynamically, i.e. continuously, track which fill-in instructions are current, e.g. which subpart of the robot control program is currently active, and, if this changes, also to update and correctly format the fill-in instructions and / or data. In both cases, i.e. either after operating the function button or continuously, programming instructions for programming the programmable NFC chip are available in the event of a subsequent NFC contact with the mobile device.

[0021] The robot device for the livestock-related operation can be of many different types. It can, for example, be a manure-collecting robot such as the Discovery, a feedpushing robot such as the Juno, a feeding robot such as the MFR, a feed station such as the Cosmix, or the aforementioned milking robot, each from Lely Industries N.V. These robots are used, in particular, for dairy animals. Many other possibilities obviously exist, for example feeding robots for other livestock such as chickens or pigs.

[0022] The programmable external NFC chip from the livestock farm according to the invention does not need to comprise more than the chip device itself in or on a suitable carrier, such as a sticker, a holder with a magnet, Velcro, a clamp or the like. With such a sticker, etc., the NFC chip can then be attached in a suitable location, especially in a readily accessible location on the relevant robot device. However, it is also possible to place the NFC chip in another location, such as on a wall, cabinet or the like near the robot devices.

[0023] In particular, if a second mobile device initially establishes NFC contact with said programmable external NFC chip in a currently programmed state, the fill-in instructions and data are configured to prompt the second mobile device to automatically select the robot device associated with said programmable external NFC chip and open the correct robot control program or, if the latter is missing, to proceed to the app store. Given that, following the first NFC contact with a mobile device, followed by the opening of the robot control program associated with the robot device, the NFC chip is programmed for the robot device concerned, the NFC chip can use the information that is available concerning that robot device. The same data will then be available to other mobile devices, so that a login procedure can simply be followed if required. The data and / or fill-in instructions then act as types of pre-filled fields.

[0024] The method according to the invention already offers advantages when an existing or new robot device and a mobile device need to be coupled. In particular embodiments, a plurality of livestock-related robot devices have been provided in the livestock farm, wherein the selection step comprises selecting one of said robot devices. The robot devices may be of different types or of the same type, wherein, in the latter case, one robot device of the correct type must therefore be selected. This allows the operator to easily create an active connection with a selected robot device. It is possible, for example, for a plurality of robots to be moving around in the livestock farm. The selection of the correct robot device is of course relevant in order to ensure that the correct robot device is operated. After the first time, it is sufficient to prompt the phone, or other mobile device such as a PDA, to establish NFC contact with the now programmed external NFC chip of the robot device that is to be operated. This ensures that the control operation is not only safe, but also very simple.

[0025] In embodiments, said connection is established using a local area network, such as a Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi or Ethernet network, according to the respective IEEE 802.15.1 , IEEE 802.11 a, b, g, n, or IEEE 802.3 standard. Such networks are often implemented within local environments such as livestock farms. However, other networks such as Zigbee (IEEE 802.15.4) or Z-Wave are not excluded.

[0026] The invention further relates to a livestock farm according to Claim 9. It is configured to carry out the method according to the present invention. The advantages and many of the details therefore correspond to those described for the present method, and will not be described again for the sake of brevity.

[0027] The livestock farm is or comprises, for example, a dairy farm, having dairy animals such as dairy cows or goats. Other livestock farms, such as fattening farms, for example pig farms or meat chicken farms, are also possible. The one or more robot devices for animal-related operations may include feed robots, manure-collecting robots, livestock brushes, etc.

[0028] In embodiments, the livestock farm comprises a plurality of robot devices as well as a plurality of said external programmable NFC chips. The NFC chips can then be individually coupled to one robot device. The numbers do not have to be the same. For example, a programmable NFC chip is not, or not yet, provided for each robot device. It is also possible for more than one programmable NFC chip to be provided for one or more robot devices, as already described above for the method. The programmable NFC chips may still be blank, but it is also possible for one or more of the programmable NFC chips to contain said basic instructions and / or said fill-in instructions and / or data. Each of the one or more external programmable NFC chips provided may still comprise the basic instructions to direct the mobile device that establishes initial NFC contact and has not yet downloaded a robot control program to said app store. It is obviously also possible that one or more, such as each, of the external programmable NFC chips has already had such an NFC contact, and has therefore been loaded with said fill-in instructions and / or data.

[0029] In the livestock farming system operation, this will interwork with a mobile device, such as, in particular, a mobile phone (smart phone) with an NFC chip device. It can then be said that the livestock farming system in this case also comprises this mobile device.

[0030] The invention also relates to a robot control program which is configured to control a livestock-related robot device of a livestock farm according to the present invention, comprising instructions which, if carried out on a mobile device having an NFC chip device, enable the mobile device to automatically program a programmable external NFC chip with fill-in instructions and data, which, in the event of a subsequent NFC contact between said mobile device and the external programmable NFC chip, are configured to automatically establish an active connection between said mobile device and said livestock-related robot device.

[0031] Such a robot control program is therefore configured to automatically connect a programmable NFC chip as described above, which, at least after the first NFC contact, is provided with the described fill-in instructions and data, and possibly also the basic instructions, to the livestock-related robot device in the event of a second NFC contact.

[0032] Furthermore, a programmable NFC chip as described above, i.e. having said basic instructions, also has inventive value. After all, a manufacturer of a plurality of types of livestock-related robot devices only needs to produce and provide a single type of NFC chip with which a connection can automatically be established. As described above, the NFC chip can be provided on a holder such as a sticker or the like. However, as described, it is also possible to use other programmable NFC chips, such as blank NFC chips that the user himself can also buy from anywhere, or even NFC chips that are loaded with completely different instructions. After all, these instructions are then overwritten by the robot control program according to the invention.

[0033] It should be noted here that the invention has been described for an NFC chip. However, the basic instructions and the fill-in instructions and data can also be programmable in a different way, and in a different device, such as a device having a screen that can display a QR code or other scannable code. Indeed, such a device can, for example, adapt the displayed code according to filling-in instructions and / or data received from the telephone. However, such a configuration is much more complicated, as a source of power must be provided for the display, and data transmission must also take place, such as with an NFC chip. There is then little added value in using the latter only for this data transfer.

[0034] The invention will be explained in detail below with reference to a nonlimiting exemplary embodiment and the drawing. In the drawing:

[0035] - Figure 1 shows schematically a method according to the invention;

[0036] - Figure 2 shows highly schematically a livestock farming system according to the invention; and

[0037] - Figure 3 shows a schematically presented practical example of the method.

[0038] Figure 1 shows schematically a method according to the invention.

[0039] In step 100, a livestock farming system is provided, as well as an external NFC chip which has not yet been further programmed and is provided only with the basic instructions described above.

[0040] In step 110, a mobile device having an NFC chip device is brought into NFC contact with the external programmable NFC chip. The term "phone" is used in each case below to refer to a "mobile device having an NFC chip", wherein any other mobile, portable device having similar functions, such as a PDA, tablet, smart watch, etc., is not excluded. When scanning, the phone transfers instructions from the NFC chip to the phone, said instructions opening an app store on the phone, or optionally opening a browser and directing to a preprogrammed website.

[0041] In step 120, said app store, or possibly website, is then opened, with a list of livestock-related robot devices or possibly directly a list of robot control devices, and optionally with a user manual. The user has the facility here to select a desired robot control program.

[0042] In an alternative, a blank programmable NFC chip is provided in step 100, at any rate without basic instructions. The user, such as an installer or experienced livestock farmer, will then have to open the app store on the mobile device himself, thus skipping step 110.

[0043] In step 130, the user selects the desired type of robot device. The app store automatically selects the corresponding downloadable robot control program. Note that displaying only a list of robot devices offers the advantage that devices from other providers that may themselves have their own app store are also easily accessible.

[0044] In step 140, the user downloads the selected robot control program onto the phone, and installs and opens it.

[0045] In step 150, in the robot control program, the user selects the desired robot device from the robot devices of the selected type available within a mutual transmit and receive range. This is, for example, only a single robot device, but it can also be a plurality of robot devices. A plurality of feed pushers, for example, are present on the livestock farm, such as the Juno® from Lely Industries N.V. It is then obviously necessary to establish a connection, or coupling, to the correct device.

[0046] If desired, the user will proceed to a sub-part of the robot control program, such as a sub-menu thereof. This could conceivably be a sub-menu relating to a separately adjustable part of the robot device, such as the robot arm of a milking robot.

[0047] Step 160 examines the possibility that access to the selected instance is secured. In practice, this will usually be the case in order to avoid unwanted control by third parties, or even unwitting commands from the operator himself. If access is secured, the method proceeds to step 165, wherein a login procedure is performed. Here, for example, the user must enter a code which is, for example, fixed and preprogrammed, generated by the control system of the robot device itself, etc.

[0048] In step 170, the phone is connected to the robot device. The user now reestablishes NFC contact between the phone and the external programmable NFC chip. With that NFC contact, the robot control program programs the external programmable NFC chip with fill-in instructions and data, which ensure that:

[0049] - if the same phone subsequently, i.e. after either ending the robot control program or disconnecting the phone from the robot device, establishes NFC contact once more with the external programmable NFC chip, this phone starts up the correct robot control program and is automatically connected to the robot device associated with the external programmable NFC chip, and

[0050] - optionally, a different mobile device that already contains the correct robot control program, but has not yet been connected to the robot device concerned, automatically performs steps 110 to 160 when NFC contact is established, so that the user, if necessary, then only needs to log in, and

[0051] - optionally, a different mobile device that does not yet contain the correct robot control program proceeds directly to the correct app store, selects the correct type of robot device and, once the user has downloaded and opened said program, automatically selects the correct robot device within the network.

[0052] In step 180, an external programmable NFC chip programmed with both fill- in instructions and data, and optionally with basic instructions, is thus obtained, with the described advantages according to the invention.

[0053] Furthermore, in an additional step, the same phone could program additional programmable NFC chips with the same fill-in instructions and data, such as the second NFC chip 21-2 described for Figure 2. This can be easily done by using the phone to establish NFC contact with this / these additional NFC chip(s).

[0054] Figure 2 shows highly schematically a livestock farming system according to the invention.

[0055] The livestock farming system 1 includes an animal-related robot device 2 having a robot control system 3 and a first sticker 20-1 having a first programmable NFC chip 21-1 , a local network device 4, as well as a second sticker 20-2 having a second programmable NFC chip 21 -2. A mobile phone 10 having an NFC chip device 11 and a user interface 12 is further shown. The livestock farm is indicated schematically with a feed fence 30 on a floor 31 , as well as feed 40.

[0056] The livestock farming system 1 includes a feed pusher 2, such as a Juno® from Lely Industries N.V. This pushes fodder 40 towards the feed fence 30, as is known, for example, in dairy farms or meat cattle farms. Other robot devices are obviously also possible, such as a feed robot that dumps fodder at the fence, for example the MFR of the Vector® system from Lely Industries N.V., a manure-collecting vehicle, a milking robot, etc.

[0057] The feed pusher 2 has its own robot control system on board, schematically indicated by reference sign 3. It may include complete robot control software, but also additionally or exclusively a connection device for communication with an external control system. If the control facility is provided on the feed pusher 2 itself, this will be, for example, in the form of a control panel. In a livestock farm, such a control panel and, generally, the robot device as a whole, are exposed to many contaminants, such as dust, sand and bedding material, feed particles and in particular manure splashes. Partly for this reason, operating personnel on a livestock farm often wear gloves. It will come as no surprise that the robot device, at least its control panel, is difficult to operate. To simplify this, the invention provides the facility to transfer the operation easily and quickly to a mobile device such as a mobile phone 10. In most cases, this phone will be a lot cleaner than said control panel.

[0058] Today, the mobile phone 10 is almost exclusively a smart phone having an NFC chip device 11 , as well as a user interface, indicated schematically as 12. In addition, a sticker 20-1 with an external NFC chip 21-1 is provided on the feed pusher 2. The local network device 4 provides a local wireless network via which the phone 10 and, in particular, the robot control system 3 can communicate with each other. The external NFC chip 21-1 is also used to establish an active connection over said wireless network. A second sticker 20-2 having a second programmable NFC chip 21 -2 is further shown. It is attached, for example, to a wall in the livestock farm 1 , and can be used to connect to the robot device 2 without the need to approach it closely. It is also possible to attach a plurality of second stickers 20-2 having a second NFC chip 21-2 at different locations in the livestock farm. This robot device 2 can after all drive itself, and can therefore be located at totally different positions. Using the plurality of second stickers 20-2 and NFC chips 21-2, the user can still log in at these different positions to the robot device 2, thus having sight of the robot device but not needing to approach it too closely.

[0059] The method as described for Figure 1 will be explained in detail in Figure 3 with reference to a schematically presented practical example. The steps to be carried out are separated by a wide arrow.

[0060] It starts here with a sticker 20 having an external programmable NFC chip 21 , optionally comprising the basic instructions already described. When basic instructions are used, the NFC chip 21 is read out in NFC contact with the NFC chip device 11 of the mobile phone 10. The basic instructions A are transferred here, and the browser on the mobile phone is directed by means of the data B, which form part of the basic instructions, to an app store on the Internet, schematically shown as the cloud 50. In the absence of basic instructions, the user makes his own way to said app store.

[0061] In a following step, the app store, or possibly the website, displays a number of types of robot devices on the mobile phone 10, here three types A, B and C. The user chooses C, here a feed pusher, as schematically indicated by the "C" at the bottom, and the "OK". As a result, the correct app (robot control program) is selected from the app store for type 'C and, after being downloaded and installed by the user, the program is opened on the phone 10.

[0062] In the following step, the phone 10 displays the robot devices of the selected type that are within range of the phone. This can be done, for example, via the network maintained by the local network device 4. Here, this involves the robot devices 2-1 (not shown) and 2-2. The user chooses the robot device 2-2, for example because it is a newly purchased device or because it did not have an external NFC chip 21 .

[0063] In a following step, a login screen is displayed, with which the user can log in for the first time and connect to the robot device 2-2.

[0064] In the following step, the user establishes NFC contact between the phone 10 and the external NFC chip 21 , wherein fill-in instructions and data C with which the external NFC chip is programmed are then transferred. The data C comprise the MAC address of the robot device 2-2, as well as instructions which, when they are subsequently read once more by the phone 10 from the external NFC chip 21 , start the robot control program associated with the robot device 2-2, and also the login details for subsequent automatic login of the phone 10.

[0065] In a final step, the user attaches the sticker 20 with the now programmed external NFC chip 21 to the corresponding robot device 2-2 or to any other logical place. The sticker can obviously also be attached during any other step of the method.

[0066] The robot device 2-2 of the feed pusher is now provided with the programmed NFC chip. The user can now actively connect his phone to the robot device 2-2 at any time by simply establishing NFC contact between this phone and the programmed external NFC chip. The correct app / robot control program is opened on the phone 10 on the basis on the fill-in instructions and data C, and the phone 10 is logged in to the robot device 2-2. The examples described are not intended to be limiting. The scope of protection of the invention is determined by the attached claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Method in a livestock management system for actively coupling a mobile device to a livestock-related robot device on a livestock farm, wherein the mobile device comprises a user interface having a display and an input device, as well as an NFC chip device, wherein the robot device is configured to perform a livestock-related operation and is provided with a robot control system to control the robot device, and is configured to establish an active connection with said mobile device, wherein the method comprises:- providing an external, programmable NFC chip,- using the mobile device to direct the user interface to an app store or website containing a downloadable robot control program for the robot device intended for the mobile device,- in said app store or website, choosing, downloading and starting said robot control program,- detecting and displaying on the mobile device a list of robot devices located within a connection range of the mobile device,- using the mobile device to select, and to establish within said robot control program an active connection to, said robot device,- automatically generating, by means of said robot control program, fill-in instructions and data which, when an NFC contact is established between said mobile device and the external programmable NFC chip, are configured to automatically open said robot control program on the mobile device and establish said active connection,- establishing said NFC contact between said mobile device and the external programmable NFC chip, and thereby having the robot control program automatically program the external programmable NFC chip with the fill-in instructions and data.

2. Method according to Claim 1 , wherein the step of using the mobile device to direct the user interface to said app store or website comprises: providing basic instructions on said external programmable NFC chip which, when they are read by said NFC chip device, direct the user interface of said mobile device to said app store or website, and- initially reading said basic instructions by establishing NFC contact between the NFC chip device of the mobile device and the external, programmable NFC chip.

3. Method according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising providing an additional programmable NFC chip, as well as establishing NFC contact withsaid additional programmable NFC chip to program said additional programmable NFC chip with said fill-in instructions and data.

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fill-in instructions and data contain a sub-instruction to proceed to a predetermined or user- selected sub-part of said robot control program.

5. Method according to Claim 4, wherein said sub-instruction is generated by the user by proceeding to that part before prompting the robot control program to generate the fill-in instructions and data.

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, if a second mobile device initially establishes NFC contact with said programmable external NFC chip, said fill-in instructions and data are configured to prompt the second mobile device to automatically select the robot device associated with said programmable external NFC chip in the now programmed state.

7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a plurality of livestock-related robot devices are provided, wherein the selection step comprises selecting one of said robot devices.

8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said connection is established by means of a local area network, such as a Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi or Ethernet network.

9. Livestock farm having a livestock management system, comprising:- at least one robot device configured to perform a livestock-related operation on a livestock farm, and provided with a robot control system to control the robot device, and with a local area network system configured to exchange information between said robot device and a mobile device connected thereto, and- an external programmable NFC chip, wherein the livestock management system is configured to carry out the method according to one of the preceding claims.

10. Livestock farm according to Claim 9, comprising a plurality of robot devices, as well as a plurality, in particular just as many, of said external programmable NFC chips, each advantageously having said fill-in instructions and data, and optionally said basic instructions.

11. Robot control program, which is configured to control a livestock-related robot device of a livestock farm according to one of Claims 9 or 10, comprising instructions which, if carried out on a mobile device having an NFC chip device, enable the mobile device to automatically program a programmable external NFC chip with fill-in instructionsand data, which, in the event of a subsequent NFC contact between said mobile device and the external programmable NFC chip, are configured to automatically establish an active connection between said mobile device and said livestock-related robot device.

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