Lely Group
Dutch family-owned agricultural machinery and robotics firm founded 1948, world leader in automated dairy with the Astronaut milking and Vector feeding robots.
Lely Industries N.V., founded in 1948 by brothers Cornelis and Arij van der Lely in Maassluis, Netherlands, is the world leader in automated dairy farming technology. The company's flagship product, the Lely Astronaut robotic milking system, was commercially launched in 1995 and is now in its A5 generation. Lely also manufactures the Vector automatic feeding robot and the Discovery manure-collection robot.
Operating in over 50 countries with approximately 2,500 employees, Lely generated EUR 857 million in revenue in 2024 and holds more than 1,500 active patents. The company's solutions cover milking automation, autonomous feeding, barn cleaning, and farm management software for dairy operations, enabling farmers to manage livestock with significantly reduced manual labor. Lely's T4C farm management software integrates data from all robotic systems to optimize herd performance.
Primary type & automation activities this supplier delivers:
Lely Astronaut A5
Robotic milking system for dairy farms, enabling fully automated cow-initiated milking 24 hours a day.
Lely Vector
Autonomous feeding robot that collects, mixes, and distributes fresh total mixed ration to dairy cows around the clock.
Contact Lely Group
WEBSITE
https://www.lely.comPHONE
+31 (0)88 122 82 21HEADQUARTERS
Netherlands
Company Facts
Founded
1948
Primary Role
Manufacturer
Company Size
-
Primary Region
Europe
Annual Sales
-
Funding Stage
-
Funding Total
-
Gatik Secures $200 Million to Expand Autonomous Trucking Operations Nationwide
Gatik AI Inc. announced the successful completion of a $200 million Series D funding round aimed at enhancing its driverless commercial freight services. The investment will facilitate the expansion of Gatik's autonomous trucking operations across Fortune 50 retail and grocery supply chains, utilizing its AI-first vehicle technology designed for highways and surface streets. This funding round, led by prominent financial institutions, underscores Gatik's position as a leader in autonomous freight solutions. With over $600 million in contracted revenue and a track record of 85,000 fully driverless orders, Gatik is poised to scale its operations significantly. The company’s autonomous trucks are already operational across North America, providing reliable transportation solutions for major clients like PepsiCo, Kroger, and Tyson Foods. Looking ahead, Gatik plans to increase its fleet of driverless trucks to meet the growing demand for efficient supply chain solutions. The recent expansion of its partnership with PepsiCo highlights the company's commitment to enhancing regional transportation networks. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Automotive Financial Investments Logistics Markets / Industries News
The 9th China Robot Summit Set to Begin in Hangzhou This September, Welcoming Exhibitors
The 9th China Robot Summit is scheduled to take place in Hangzhou this September, inviting exhibitors to showcase their innovations. This event aims to highlight advancements in robotics and intelligent manufacturing, providing a platform for industry leaders to connect and share insights. The significance of the summit lies in its potential to drive collaboration and investment in the robotics sector. As the industry continues to evolve, the summit serves as a critical venue for discussing trends and challenges, particularly in the context of recent funding developments and market dynamics. Looking ahead, attendees can expect to see a diverse range of exhibitors and presentations that will explore the future of robotics and intelligent systems. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Robotics Automation AI
Hyundai's Atlas Robot Deployment Sparks Labor Concerns in Korea, Not in the US
Hyundai Motor Group plans to deploy Atlas humanoid robots at its Georgia plant in 2028, highlighting a significant labor debate between Korea and the US. In Korea, union workers are advocating for job protections amid rising automation concerns, while no organized resistance has emerged in Hyundai's nonunion US factories. The Korean union has raised issues regarding the impact of physical artificial intelligence and robotics during labor negotiations, seeking transparency and safeguards against job losses. Although the union has not outright rejected the technology, a tentative agreement acknowledges the necessity of AI and robotics for Hyundai's competitiveness, emphasizing shared information and joint management of the transition. In contrast, the US lacks a comparable collective response, attributed to the weak presence of organized labor in the South and Hyundai's expanding workforce. Experts question whether the current calm will persist as humanoid robots transition from demonstrations to actual factory operations. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
All News
Bill Gates Advocates for Robot Tax and Human Reserved Jobs to Address AI Impact
Bill Gates recently shared his thoughts on the social implications of AI in a detailed essay on Gates Notes. He supports the idea of a 'robot tax' to discourage employers from replacing human workers with machines, suggesting that this could help fund retraining programs and enhance the safety net for displaced workers. Additionally, Gates proposed the concept of 'Human Reserved' jobs, where certain roles would be protected from AI encroachment, ensuring that humans remain in positions that require empathy and nuanced understanding. These proposals are significant as they aim to mitigate the labor market disruptions caused by AI advancements. Gates' suggestions reflect a growing concern among industry leaders about the balance between technological progress and its effects on employment. The idea of a robot tax could slow the transition to automation, while Human Reserved jobs would safeguard certain professions from being automated, thus preserving job opportunities for workers in vulnerable sectors. Looking ahead, the implementation of these ideas could reshape the regulatory landscape surrounding AI and automation. However, many questions remain regarding the specifics of how such policies would be enforced and who would be responsible for establishing these guidelines. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
AI Bill Gates
SiFly Secures $20 Million to Boost U.S. Production of Q12 Long-Endurance Drones
SiFly Aviation has successfully raised $20 million in Series A funding to enhance the U.S. production of its long-endurance Q12 electric drone. The financing round was led by Shield Capital, with contributions from Qudit, BBK Capital, Alumni Ventures, and other investors. The funds will be utilized to ramp up production and facilitate customer deliveries while continuing the development and field testing of its DronePort multi-drone infrastructure system. This funding is significant as it allows SiFly to address the limitations of traditional multirotor drones, particularly in flight endurance. The Q12 can fly four times longer and up to 10 times farther than leading enterprise drones, carrying payloads of up to 10 pounds. The aircraft has undergone extensive testing, achieving a Guinness World Record for the longest electric multirotor flight in its weight class, lasting over three hours. Looking ahead, SiFly aims to leverage the Q12's capabilities across various sectors, including public safety, utilities, infrastructure, and agriculture. The company believes that the longer endurance of the Q12 will enhance operational efficiency and response capabilities for drone operators. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Applications DFR Drone News Drone News Feeds Featured – Safety and Security Fire and Police
Bedrock Robotics Launches Operator-Free Excavators in Texas and Nevada Projects
Bedrock Robotics Inc. has successfully deployed fully autonomous excavators on active infrastructure projects in Texas and Nevada. This initiative aims to tackle the construction industry's pressing labor shortages and safety concerns, particularly as over 40% of the workforce is expected to retire in the next five years. The company's innovative technology, backed by $350 million in venture capital, transforms traditional earth-moving operations into efficient, software-driven processes. The significance of Bedrock's deployments lies in their potential to revolutionize construction practices by enabling fleets of machines to self-orchestrate and execute tasks at unprecedented scales. Current projects include collaborations with Sundt Construction, Champion Site Prep, and Zachry Construction Corp., focusing on essential earthwork operations. Bedrock's advancements represent a critical shift towards integrating AI into the physical economy, enhancing productivity and safety on job sites. Looking ahead, Bedrock Robotics plans to retrofit existing excavators with its technology, expanding its impact on the construction sector. The company emphasizes safety as a top priority, ensuring that its autonomous systems can operate effectively around human workers. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Artificial Intelligence Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) Construction News Bedrock Robotics construction
Unitree's IPO Highlights Challenges in Physical AI Amidst Market Volatility
Physical AI has emerged as a prominent sector in venture capital, with significant investments aimed at integrating advanced AI tools into robotics. Unitree, a leading Chinese robot manufacturer, recently went public with a valuation of $66 billion, but has since seen its value plummet by nearly 50%. Analysts attribute this decline to the robots' inability to perform value-creating tasks despite advancements in physical capabilities. The Actuate conference showcased the growing interest in AI-driven robotics, with attendance tripling since its inception in 2023. However, the industry faces a critical challenge: a shortage of high-quality training data for AI models. Developers are encouraged to adopt strategies similar to those used in frontier AI labs, focusing on diverse data sets and improved training methodologies to enhance performance. Looking ahead, the autonomous vehicle sector is leading the way in data collection and model development, with companies like Tesla and Wayve investing in humanoid robotics. The debate continues on the best approach to hardware and AI integration, with some experts advocating for co-design strategies to optimize performance in specific applications. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
AI Robotics Exclusive physical ai
Bradley Fighting Vehicle Demonstrates Swarming Ground Drones in Recent Military Exercise
During a recent test exercise, U.S. Army soldiers utilized a Bradley Fighting Vehicle to transport FireAnt uncrewed ground vehicles (UGVs). These versatile 4×4 UGVs can be adapted for various missions, including electronic warfare and reconnaissance. The integration of Bradleys as carriers for swarms of UGVs like the FireAnt could significantly enhance operational capabilities. This development is crucial as it aligns with the U.S. Army's Transformation In Contact (TIC) modernization initiative, which aims to incorporate advanced technologies into military operations. Swarmbotics AI, the developer of the FireAnt, showcased this capability during the Pegasus Charge 3 exercise, where the Bradley was seen carrying five FireAnt UGVs. The potential for these UGVs to operate in swarms could revolutionize battlefield tactics and strategies. Looking ahead, the effectiveness of the FireAnts in operational scenarios remains to be fully understood, particularly regarding their deployment and control from the Bradley. As the Army continues to test and evaluate these systems, the focus will be on how these UGVs can be integrated into existing military frameworks and their impact on future combat operations. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Land Armies Armored Vehicles M2/3 Bradley News & Features U.S. Army
University of Queensland Develops Cyborg Cockroaches for Emergency Medical Assistance
Researchers at the University of Queensland have developed swarms of cyborg cockroaches, known as 'Paraborgs,' equipped with cameras and miniature medical injectors. These innovative devices aim to provide supervised emergency care to individuals trapped in inaccessible locations, such as collapsed buildings or caves. The significance of this development lies in its potential to enhance rescue operations in scenarios where traditional methods are ineffective. By moving beyond mere search and rescue, these cyborg insects can actively assist trapped individuals, potentially saving lives in critical situations. Looking ahead, the research published in the journal Advanced Science opens up new avenues for the application of biorobotics in emergency response. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Robotics
CropX Acquires SCIO, Expanding Digital Agronomy and Targeting Profitability by 2027
CropX has acquired SCIO, a near-infrared spectroscopy firm, marking its largest deal to date and its eighth acquisition in six years. This acquisition enhances CropX's digital agronomy platform by integrating pre- and post-harvest crop quality measurement capabilities, with SCIO's devices deployed globally across various crops. The acquisition is significant as CropX approaches an annual recurring revenue of $20 million and aims for profitability by 2027. SCIO's technology, which includes portable devices for measuring moisture, protein, oil, and sugar content, will allow CropX to connect agronomic recommendations with measurable harvest outcomes, thereby closing the loop in agronomic decision-making. Looking ahead, CropX plans to integrate SCIO's technology into its platform, leveraging large data volumes to draw causal links between agronomic interventions and crop quality. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Agtech Climate & sustainability Deeptech EMEA Latam Precision agriculture
Agricultural Robotics | Dairy & Livestock Automation: Where Robots Already Lead
Dairy robots hold 37% of the global agricultural robotics market — yet US farm penetration is just 5%. This deep-dive covers the $3.2B milking robot market, ROI economics, competitive profiles of Lely, DeLaval, GEA, and Afimilk, and why EU, North America, Japan, and Israel each follow a different adoption path to 2030.
AGRICULTURAL ROBOTICS | $34B Weeding Robot Market
Weeding & crop management robots target a $34–42B herbicide market. Deep-dive on Carbon Robotics, Ecorobotix, Verdant, FarmWise, and the four tech platforms reshaping chemical-free farming by 2030.
AGRICULTURAL ROBOTICS | Market Leaders, Regional Analysis & Top Countries
John Deere, DJI & 340+ companies compete for the $48–56B Western market and China’s $80–150B parallel ecosystem. Regional analysis across 5 top countries.
