After launching the Astronaut A5 milking robot in 2018, Lely has reported that 2019 was a record year for the Dutch firm. The A5 robot has helped Lely grow its turnover by 46% to a staggering €606m.

Lely robotics is now active across 46 countries worldwide. The company said that it has achieved an increase in every region where it is active, particularly noticeable in the European markets where robotics are now the norm.

Slowing of economic growth

Looking to the remainder of 2020, Lely have said that modest growth in global milk production is expected in 2020. The firm believes that slowing economic growth, trade wars, Brexit and, of course, the spread of the coronavirus will also affect global dairy markets and milk prices. Despite this, the firm have pledged to continue to invest in R&D.