Device and method for the automated feeding of farm animals

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for the automated feeding of farm animals, comprising a control unit, a processing unit (1) for processing feed, a loading system for loading the processing unit (1) with feed components, and a distribution system for distributing the processed feed to the farm animals. In order to create advantageous feeding conditions, according to the invention the loading system and the distribution system is formed by at least one autonomous robot (2a, 2b) which has a chassis (3), a transport container (4) and a battery interface (5) and is connected to the control unit (6).

Description

[0001] Device for the automated feeding of farm animals

[0002] Technical field

[0003] The invention relates to a device for the automated feeding of farm animals, comprising a control unit, a processing unit for processing feed, a feeding system for supplying the processing unit with feed components, and a distribution system for distributing the processed feed to the farm animals. The invention also relates to a method for the automated feeding of farm animals, wherein a processing unit is supplied with feed components and the processed feed is distributed to the farm animals.

[0004] State of the art

[0005] Within the framework of resource-efficient agriculture, the optimization of transport routes for animal feed plays a crucial role.

[0006] Therefore, in order to reduce operating costs, process components such as feed silos for storing feed and mixers for mixing feed are arranged in layout planning processes in such a way that the conveying distances between the process components and to the farm animals are kept short.

[0007] For the automation of livestock feeding, EP2092821A1 discloses the use of a mixer that is supplied with feed components via a feeding system comprising conveying lines. The mixed feed is then transported to the livestock via a distribution system comprising conveying lines. As mentioned earlier, the location of the processing unit, in terms of short conveying lines, is crucial. However, a disadvantage of the automated device from EP2092821A1 is the complex design necessitated by the piping. This makes both the initial installation and adjustments depending on the time of day, such as for different locations of the livestock, time-consuming and expensive. This also complicates the subsequent relocation of the processing unit, such as a mixer, to optimize the transport route.Furthermore, the pipelines are prone to blockages, necessitating frequent maintenance and resulting downtime. Finally, the full automation creates a system dependency that poses a particular risk to livestock supply during power outages.

[0008] An alternative automated livestock feeding system is shown in US20240074408A1, which reveals autonomous robots with transport containers, enabling feed stored in dosing units to be transported directly to the animals. However, especially on large farms, a large number of robots are required, which in turn means high investment costs. Furthermore, this system also carries the risk of system dependency, which can be problematic in the event of a power outage.

[0009] Description of the invention

[0010] The invention is therefore based on the objective of proposing a low-maintenance and resource-saving device for the automated feeding of farm animals, which allows the feeding stations to be adapted to the location of the farm animals depending on the time of day, without jeopardizing the feed supply, especially in the event of power outages.

[0011] The invention solves the stated problem by having the feeding and distribution systems comprised of at least one autonomous robot, which includes a chassis, a transport container, and a battery interface, and is connected to the control unit. Thanks to the measures according to the invention, the processing unit can be easily relocated without being restricted by any existing conveyor lines or the like. This allows the processing unit to be adapted to time-of-day variations, such as the different locations of the animals in the barn or outdoors, thus optimizing the conveying path. Furthermore, the device is more robust against different feed mixtures, as it eliminates the need for conveyor lines prone to clogging.In particular, this makes it possible to prepare wet and dry feed mixtures sequentially, thus enabling the feeding of different livestock within short time intervals without having to dry or clean any conveying lines in between to prevent blockages. Because the feed mixing, on the one hand, and the feeding of the processing unit and the delivery of the processed feed, on the other, are carried out by two independent process units—namely the processing unit and the robot—simultaneous, independent operation is possible, further reducing feeding time. For example, feed can be distributed to one group of livestock while the processing unit is already preparing feed for a second group.Conversely, while the processing unit is handling feed, the robot can already prepare feed components for the next processing step. All these steps can be fully automated, as the control unit is signal-linked to the processing unit and the robot, enabling communication between these process components. A processing unit could be, for example, a mixer, a crusher, a fermenter, or another type of processing station. The essential steps for livestock feeding can also be carried out in the event of a power outage, as the robot has a battery interface into which one or more cascaded batteries can be inserted. For the purpose of temporarily conserving energy in livestock feeding, the more energy-intensive processing can even be bypassed, as the robots can distribute the feed components directly to the animals.Furthermore, powering the system with batteries has the advantage that the robots in particular can easily pass through doors or airlocks, especially if these form thermal or airtight barriers, because no cable routing through these barriers is required.

[0012] For easy relocation, the processing unit can also be equipped with a chassis. Various all-terrain chassis are suitable for both the processing unit and the robots. To give the robot in particular a high degree of freedom of movement, it can be fitted with Mecanum wheels. To enable precise dosing of the processed feed, the robot can include a load cell, signal-connected to the control unit, to determine the mass picked up from the transport container. In this way, a dispensing device of the processing unit can be controlled based on the measured mass.

[0013] To accelerate livestock feeding during peak season, multiple robots with the same battery interface can be deployed. Depending on requirements, these can be assigned to either the feeding or distribution system, allowing the process to be adapted to the resources currently needed. For example, all robots can initially be assigned to the feeding system, and after the mixing process is complete, some of the robots can be assigned to the distribution system, while the remaining robots continue feeding the processing unit. This reduces the time until the first feed delivery and creates a fleet of robots that can all be powered by the same battery.

[0014] A largely power-outage-proof livestock feed supply, without compromising feed quality, can be achieved by equipping the processing unit with a battery interface that is compatible with those of the robot(s). This allows the same battery to be used for both the robot(s) and the processing unit, ensuring that in the event of a power outage, all process components essential for high-quality livestock feed can be powered by batteries with a matching interface. "Matching" in the context of the invention means that the same battery can be used for both the robot and the processing unit, although different battery types, for example from different manufacturers or with different capacities, are also possible.Particularly with large processing units, increased performance may be required, so the processing unit's battery interface may be designed to accommodate more batteries than the robot's battery interface. This circumstance is also covered by the characteristic "matching".

[0015] To allow for a variety of livestock feeding methods, it is proposed that at least one robot have both a bulk material container and a separate liquid container. This allows the animals to be supplied with both feed and water. It has proven advantageous for the liquid container to have a controllable drain, while the bulk material container should have either a discharge chute or a tipping mechanism. Especially with free-range livestock, unwanted interaction with the robots can occur during distribution, making it difficult.To take this into account, the transport container, especially the bulk material container, can have, for example, a pneumatic distribution unit through which a small amount of bulk material is discharged from the transport container for diversion, so that the discharge of the main quantity can take place without disruption.

[0016] In principle, the feed components used to process the feed in the processing unit can be stored in different silos. For the sake of simple automation without being susceptible to power outages, the device can include at least one feed component dosing unit to supply the at least one robot, which has a battery interface compatible with those of the robots. Since the feed component dosing unit, or multiple feed dosing units, typically have lower energy requirements than the processing unit, the available batteries can be distributed in such a way that at least the robots and the feed component dosing units are supplied during extended power outages. In this way, an extended feed supply can be achieved, bypassing the processing unit, at least through the unprocessed feed components.

[0017] The device enables an automated feeding method for livestock. A processing unit is loaded with feed components, and the processed feed is then distributed to the animals. According to the invention, at least one autonomous robot, equipped with a chassis, a transport container, and a battery interface, selectively loads the processing unit with feed components or distributes the processed feed to the animals. To accelerate the process, multiple robots can be provided, which are assigned, as needed, to a loading group for loading the processing unit with feed components or to a distribution group for distributing the processed feed to the animals. This assignment can be controlled via the control unit and, for example, made dependent on time-of-day modes.

[0018] Particularly in the event of an energy shortage due to a power outage or reduced production from energy producers such as photovoltaic systems, individual robots can be switched on or off depending on the available energy. This can increase the duration of livestock feeding at the expense of speed.

[0019] If the mixing of the feed is to be prioritized even in the event of a power failure, it is proposed that in the event of a power failure a robot be driven to the position of the processing unit and taken out of service so that the battery can be detached from the robot's battery interface and connected to a matching battery interface of the processing unit.

[0020] The device and method allow for the retrofitting of farms with varying layouts. In a simple case, the robots move only on a basic track. To enable efficient livestock feeding, particularly in existing barns, the device can include an elevated track for the robots. This elevated track can run above the barns, allowing feeding to be done by dropping feed from the elevated track into the barn. A ramp and / or a lift can be provided to bridge the height difference between the basic track and the elevated track, featuring a battery interface compatible with that of the robot. To establish controlled logistics, especially with a large number of robots, it is proposed that the robots be equipped with NFC sensors. The corresponding NFC tags can be integrated into the ground-level and / or elevated track.Additionally, floor markings for robot cameras, reflector markers or light barriers can be used for orientation.

[0021] Brief description of the invention

[0022] The invention is illustrated in the drawing as an example. It shows

[0023] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of the device according to the invention and Fig. 2 is a schematic cutaway view of a robot used in the device according to the invention on an enlarged scale.

[0024] Ways to implement the invention

[0025] As can be seen in Fig. 1, a device according to the invention has a processing unit 1 for processing feed. The feeding system for the processing unit 1 and the distribution system for distributing the processed feed to the livestock are carried out by one or more robots 2a, 2b. The robots 2a, 2b are autonomously designed and have a chassis 3 and a transport container 4, which allows for blockage-free material exchange between the processing unit 1 and the livestock or any storage containers, as any conveying lines are unnecessary. To enable livestock feeding even in the event of a power failure, the robots 2a, 2b are battery-operated and have a battery interface 5 for this purpose. For the sake of clarity, the battery interfaces 5 are shown only schematically in the drawings.In preferred embodiments, the battery interfaces 5 are designed to accommodate one or more cascaded batteries. The batteries themselves are not shown for illustrative purposes.

[0026] For coordination between processing unit 1 and robots 2a and 2b, these are signal-connected to a common control unit 6. This control unit 6 also allows robots 2a and 2b to be grouped as needed, so that robot 2a can be assigned to the feeding system and robot 2b to the distribution system. The control unit 6 also enables individual robots 2a and 2b to be taken out of service depending on the available energy, for example, supplied by a photovoltaic system.

[0027] To ensure not only power outage-proof feeding and distribution, but also feed mixing, processing unit 1 can also have a battery interface 5 that matches those of robots 2a and 2b, allowing batteries to be swapped between processing unit 1 and robots 2a and 2b. For rapid and complete operational security, in the event of a power outage, robot 2a or 2b can be moved to the position of processing unit 1 and taken out of service. This allows the battery to be disconnected from the battery interface 5 of robot 2a or 2b and connected to a matching battery interface 5 on processing unit 1. For this purpose, the control unit 6 can monitor the charge levels of the batteries of robots 2a and 2b and direct the robot 2a or 2b with the highest charge level to processing unit 1.

[0028] Feed component dosing units 7, which also function as storage containers, can be provided to supply the robots 2a and 2b with feed components. The feed component dosing units 7 can also have a battery interface 5 that is compatible with those of the robots 2a and 2b.

[0029] The autonomous operation of the robots 2a, 2b can be achieved using components known from the prior art, such as a drive for the chassis 3, robot-internal processors, sensors connected to the processors (e.g., cameras, LiDAR system, NFC sensors, GPS, IMU, accelerometers), and a communication unit connected to the control unit 6. To supply the livestock with liquids, the robots 2a, 2b, as shown in more detail in Fig. 2, can have both a bulk material container 8 and a separate liquid container 9. The bulk material container 8 can be supported against a load cell W so that the feed component dosing units 7 and the processing unit 1 can be fed precisely via the control unit 6, depending on the mass already taken in.Additionally, the liquid container 9 can be supported against one or the same load cell W. To give the robot 2a, 2b particularly high freedom of movement, the chassis can include 3 Mecanum wheels M.

[0030] Overall, the device offers a flexible option for livestock feeding that can be adapted to various agricultural requirements, allowing even the processing unit 1 to be easily relocated to optimize transport routes. For this purpose, the processing unit can be equipped with a chassis 10. In a simple configuration, the processing unit 1, the robots 2a, 2b, and the

[0031] Feed component dosing units 7 are essentially arranged on one plane, for example on the barn floor 14. In contrast, Fig. 1 shows an embodiment that is advantageous for adapting to different barn configurations, which, in addition to a

[0032] Base carriageway 11 also a raised carriageway that can be bridged via a lift 12

[0033] 13 for robots 2a, 2b, which indicates a supply of the

[0034] Processing unit 1 is facilitated via an opening 16 and a feed discharge into stalls or pens 15. In this case, the base track 11 is raised above the stall floor 14. In a simpler version, the base track 11 can be formed by the stall floor 14.

[0035] To take account of the increased power required by the processing unit 1, it can have at least one battery interface of a second type 17 in addition to the battery interface 5 of a first type analogous to the robots 2a, 2b.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Device for the automated feeding of farm animals comprising a control unit (6), a processing unit (1) for processing feed, a feeding system for supplying the processing unit (1) with feed components and a distribution system for distributing the processed feed to the farm animals, characterized in that the feeding system and the distribution system are formed by at least one autonomous robot (2a, 2b) having a chassis (3), a transport container (4) and a battery interface (5), which is connected to the control unit (6).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that several robots (2a, 2b) are provided which have the same battery interface (5).

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the processing unit (1) has a battery interface (5) that is identical to those of the robot (2a, 2b).

4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the at least one robot (2a, 2b) has both a bulk material container (8) and a liquid container (9) separate from the bulk material container (8).

5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the at least one robot (2a, 2b) is assigned to the feeding system or the distribution system as required.

6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the device includes at least one feed component dosing unit (7) for supply of at least one robot (2a, 2b) includes a battery interface (5) that is compatible with those of the robots (2a, 2b).

7. Method for the automated feeding of farm animals, wherein a processing unit (1) is supplied with feed components and the processed feed is distributed to the farm animals, characterized in that at least one autonomous robot (2a, 2b) having a chassis (3), a transport container (4) and a battery interface (5) selectively supplies the processing unit (1) with feed components or distributes the processed feed to the farm animals.

8. Method according to claim 7, characterized in that several robots (2a, 2b) are provided which are assigned, depending on requirements, to a feeding group for feeding the processing unit (1) with feed components or to a distribution group for distributing the processed feed to the farm animals.

9. Method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that individual robots (2a, 2b) are put into or taken out of operation depending on the available energy.

10. Method according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that in the event of a power failure a robot (2a, 2b) is controlled to the position of the processing unit (1) and taken out of service, so that the battery can be detached from the battery interface (5) of the robot (2a, 2b) and connected to a matching battery interface (5) of the processing unit (1).

Images