Vision System Tail Positioner for Dairy Livestock
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Dairy milking operations face inefficiencies due to the dynamic nature of dairy livestock, where cows do not remain in fixed positions, and the variability in teat and tail positions, making it challenging to accurately position robotic arms for milking without hard coding specific movements and positions.
Innovation Solution
A vision system equipped with a robotic arm, imaging device, and tail positioner, which uses 3D imaging and profile signals to detect and adjust for leg, teat, and tail movements in real-time, allowing the robotic arm to position itself accurately and avoid obstacles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a robotic arm is used for milking operations, then automation and productivity are improved, but the system cannot adapt to dynamic movements of the dairy livestock without hard coding
Solution Approach 1:
The vision system continuously captures images of the dairy livestock and processes these images to detect tail position and other anatomical features in real-time. This feedback loop allows the robotic arm to adjust its positioning dynamically based on the actual position of the livestock, enabling adaptation without hard coding while maintaining high productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static, pre-programmed positioning to dynamic, real-time adjustment. The robotic arm receives continuous positional updates based on vision system detection, allowing it to adapt its movements to the dynamic nature of livestock positioning during milking operations
2Manufacturing precision
If the robotic arm positions itself close to the tail for precise teat access, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the risk of harmful contact with the tail increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vision system acts as an intermediary between the robotic arm and the livestock. It provides detailed spatial information about tail position and teat location, enabling the robotic arm to navigate to the precise target position while being aware of and avoiding harmful contact with the tail through informed path planning
3Measurement precision
If the field of view is kept narrow for precise teat detection, then measurement precision is improved, but the ability to detect and avoid the tail is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The vision system divides the detection task into multiple segments: one imaging device or detection mode focuses on precise teat detection within a narrow field of view, while another imaging device or detection mode monitors the broader area including the tail. This segmentation allows both narrow-field precision and wide-field awareness to coexist
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a robotic arm, an imaging device coupled to the robotic arm, a board coupled to the robotic arm, and a processor. The imaging device captures imaging data of a rearview of a dairy livestock through a field of view of the imaging device. The board is able to pivot from a down position to an up position and has an aperture through which the imaging device can pass through when the board lowers from the up position to the down position. The processor is coupled to both the imaging device and the board and is configured to identify a tail of the dairy livestock within the imaging data captured by the imaging device and send one or more instructions to raise the board from the down position to the up position, thereby moving the tail out of the field of view of the imaging device.