• AUG / SEP 2022
MACHINERY 69
New KUHN autonomous diet feeder launched
KUHN has launched a new self-propelled , autonomous diet feeder capable of feeding 280 cows . The new AURA works autonomously using GPS and RTK to move around a farm collecting and feeding out a TMR . Inbuilt loading and weighing modules calculate the exact mix of forage material including grass and maize , along with any supplements and concentrates required .
The new KUHN AURA is a self-propelled , autonomous diet feeder capable of feeding up to 280 cows .
THE AURA ’ s 3m3 mixing tank features two vertical augers that require a lower power requirement and feature KUHN ’ s K-NOX technology to guarantee a service life of six times longer than steel alternatives . The mixing and chopping speed can be adjusted to create a homogenous TMR with a palatable consistency .
A 56hp ( 42kW ) diesel engine can power the AURA for up to a week of continual loading and feeding , making it a truly autonomous machine .
The AURA is remarkably compact , standing at 2.6 metres high , 1.9 metres wide and just under 7 metres in length . This helps it to move around most areas of the farm including feed passages and clamps . It feeds out at a speed of 2km / h on both the left and right using a conveyor , and can travel at up to 7km / h .
A dual guidance system uses GPS and RTK outside and LIDAR inside in conjunction with an onboard odometer . Farms choosing an AURA will be mapped and WIFI devices installed to enable connectivity throughout . The AURA also has inbuilt sensors to stop or avoid objects and it can travel on gradients up to 20 %. The TMR can be calculated as often as is needed and uploaded to the AURA remotely . Its built-in loading and weighing modules enable it to travel to sources of forage , concentrates and minerals to load . A multi-purpose milling head ensures that all forage is loaded efficiently whilst onboard weighing sensors can calculate the TMR to the nearest kilo . Farms using the AURA will also be fitted with augers connected to silos containing concentrates and minerals that have a receiver to communicate with the AURA ’ s onboard transmitter .
The time and frequency of feeding can be set to precise points 24 hours a day to
The AURA can work autonomously for up to 7 days and is guided by GPS and RTK to be entirely autonomous on farm .
The AURA loads forage from the clamp and mixes up to 3m3 to feed out .
enable consistent feeding without intervention . The AURA also features rotating bushes that push up forage and double up to clean the clamp of any fallen material . The brushes operate on both sides of the machine to offer the flexibility to feed in any housing .
The AURA will be distributed initially in France with other countries in Europe following . The first units are expected in the UK from 2024 / 25 .
www . kuhn . co . uk