Lely (company)

Lely is a Dutch agricultural machinery company specializing in robotic and automated systems for dairy farming and forage harvesting. Founded in 1948 by brothers Cornelis and Arij van der Lely, the company is headquartered in Maassluis, Netherlands.

Lely is known for pioneering the development and commercialization of automated milking systems (AMS), most notably the Lely Astronaut. This system allows cows to be milked automatically, at their own pace, improving animal welfare and farm efficiency. The company also produces a range of other agricultural equipment, including forage harvesters, mowers, tedders, rakes, and feeding systems.

Lely's products are sold and serviced through a global network of Lely Centers. These centers provide local support, sales, and maintenance services to farmers. The company emphasizes innovation and sustainability in its product development, aiming to improve the efficiency and environmental footprint of agricultural operations.

In recent years, Lely has focused on developing and integrating data-driven technologies into its farming solutions, utilizing sensor data and algorithms to optimize farm management practices. This includes monitoring animal health, feed management, and overall farm performance. Lely aims to create connected, intelligent farms that are more productive and sustainable.