An automated, overhead system could help streamline labor-intensive processes such as litter raking and egg and mortality collection in poultry houses.
While automation is a promising solution for many of the challenges that poultry farms face, its use and implementation in commercial poultry houses is difficult due to limited power sources and lack of space
An autonomous vehicle with overhead attachments that change the functionality of the system could address these issues and reduce the amount of labor needed to perform certain tasks.
When creating the multi-functional technology, chose to address common, labor-involved tasks that poultry workers are required to do such as litter raking or egg and mortality collection. The conceptual design allows the system the ability to address multiple farm challenges while still allowing birds to move freely around the technology.
How does it work?
The single setup contains an autonomous vehicle with four wheels that is powered by a multi-utility bot adapter. The multiple attachments and utility lines used changes the bot’s functionality. The vehicle is powered by a constant energy supply (AC or DC) from the ceiling to minimize battery waste, fresh water supply and waste removal lines.
When using the bot for litter management, a disinfection spray prevents the spread of fecal contamination while simultaneously tilling and heat treating the litter. Conversely, when used as a floor egg collector, the bot slowly rolls around the house, removes eggs form the floor and sends them to the overhead system for collection.
The system can be implemented in existing farms with minimal layout changes. Additionally, it reduces labor, increases efficiency and lessens the farm’s operating costs.
