OptiDuo Robotic Feed Refresher vs Astronaut Max
Two robotic barn machines, one verified table. Every figure below is sourced and dated; vendor claims are labelled and kept apart from independent results.
DeLaval's robotic feed pusher-and-remixer — unlike plain pushers, a twin-spiralled rotating auger remixes the ration while repositioning it at the feed fence, keeping roughage strands intact so refused compacted feed stays appetising. Adaptive Drive adjusts speed and track to feed type and quantity; runs around the clock, up to 10 trips a day. Direct competitor to the Lely Juno.
Best for: Robotic-milking or free-stall dairy herds that want feed pushed AND remixed 24/7 — especially where compressed, sorted-through TMR is depressing intake at the fence.Centralised milking architecture for large herds (announced August 2025) — up to 18 Astronaut robots share one control room for vacuum, cleaning, cooling and long-distance milk transport.
Best for: Dairy farms of 500–1,100 cows wanting robot milking without one full utility set per box.| OptiDuo Robotic Feed Refresher Verified 2026-07-16 | Astronaut Max Verified 2026-07-16 | |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Task | Robotic barn | Robotic barn |
| Autonomy | Fully autonomous | Fully autonomous |
| Country of origin | Sweden | Netherlands |
| Availability | Available now | Pilot / limited |
| EU market | CE-marked | CE-marked |
| Lead time | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| Last verified | 2026-07-16 | 2026-07-16 |
| Specifications | ||
| Power source | Battery-electric, self-charging at docking station | Mains electric · centralised vacuum, cleaning and cooling units |
| Required tractor power | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Dimensions | Not disclosed | Central control room + in-barn robot boxes (layout-specific) |
| Weight | Not disclosed | Fixed installation |
| Min farm size | Not disclosed | 500 cows |
| Productivity | Up to 10 feed-alley trips per day, 24/7 operation; multiple barns and varying alley widths supported | Up to 18 connected Astronaut robots · 500–1,100 cows |
| Max speed | Not disclosed | Not applicable |
| Sensors | Obstruction sensors — stops automatically for people or animals and resumes when clear | Astronaut robot sensor suite · centralised system monitoring |
| Price & model | ||
| Price (EUR) | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| Native price | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| Business model | Buy via DeLaval dealer network; installation with charging/docking station | Phased commercial rollout from 2026; validation farms since 2023–2024 |
| Ongoing cost | Dealer service contract; battery and wear parts | Service contract via Lely Center; consumables centralised |
| Key outcome | ||
| Best verified result | Feed weigh-back (refusals) Weigh-back reduced to ~1% with up to 10 trips/day · vendor | — No verified outcome |
| EU context | ||
| CE marking | CE marked as a DeLaval barn machine | CE marking expected at commercial rollout; system in validation |
| Machinery Regulation | Placed on the EU market by DeLaval under the EU machinery regime; CH access via CH–EU Mutual Recognition Agreement | To conform with Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 at market placement |
| CAP subsidy | Eligible under rural-development livestock modernisation schemes in several member states | Livestock-modernisation schemes typically apply; confirm per member state at rollout |
"—" means the manufacturer has not disclosed the figure; we never estimate silently. Model either machine's payback with your own numbers on its ROI calculator page.