The MS Smart Cleaning Robot (see photo montage above) offers three phases on one device for barn cleaning: combining high-pressure washing, chemical foam soaking, and disinfection in a single autonomous pass.
A Dutch agricultural technology company is introducing an automated cleaning system designed to reduce labour requirements and improve hygiene standards in livestock facilities. It will be available for purchase in Canada,
MS Schippers recently announced the release of its MS Smart Cleaning Robot, a self-learning autonomous system developed to carry out the complete barn-cleaning process without requiring manual intervention. The technology was previously recognized with a Silver Innovation Award at EuroTier, one of the livestock industry's best-known international trade exhibitions.
According to the company, maintaining clean livestock housing remains essential for animal health, but the process often requires significant amounts of physically demanding labour. The new robot is intended to automate multiple cleaning tasks that are traditionally completed separately by farm staff.
Unlike conventional washing systems that focus primarily on high-pressure water cleaning, the MS Smart Cleaning Robot combines three sanitation stages into one automated sequence. The system applies chemical foam to break down grease- and protein-based residues, follows with high-pressure cleaning to remove dirt and manure, and then completes the process with disinfection.
The company said automating the entire process can help reduce worker exposure to chemical vapours, aerosols and physically demanding cleaning activities.
Intelligent Vision Technology
The robot uses 3D LiDAR sensors to navigate livestock facilities and identify passages, pens and obstacles in real time.
According to MS Schippers, the system does not require manual programming before use, allowing it to adapt to different barn layouts.
To reach difficult areas, the unit is equipped with a telescopic arm capable of extending into deep animal pens. Automatic nozzle-pressure adjustments are designed to reduce the risk of damage when cleaning near ceilings and other structures.
Farm operators can also monitor cleaning progress remotely through a smartphone application while focusing on other management tasks.
Focus On Biosecurity
The technology was developed and tested on commercial pig farms, where thorough sanitation plays an important role in limiting disease pressure and supporting herd performance. Better hygiene can help lower health risks and reduce the need for medication interventions.
Key highlights for Canadian pork producers:
- Complete 3-in-1 Autonomy: Combines foam cleaning, high-pressure rinsing, and targeted disinfection into one continuous, automated sequence.
- 3D LiDAR Navigation ("Zero Setup-Time"): Maps pens, aisles, and obstacles in real time without requiring complex manual pre-programming or floor markers.
- Extended Reach & Intelligent Safety: Features an extendable arm with a total reach of up to 7 to 8 meters (5.5m telescopic arm) to cover deep pens, paired with adaptive nozzle pressure logic to protect ceiling structures.
- Enhanced Worker Safety: Completely removes farm personnel from exposure to hazardous chemical fumes, high-pressure spray back, and grueling physical labour.
- Rugged & Connected: Built with acid-resistant IP69K housing for harsh barn environments, remote smartphone monitoring, and self-learning AI visual feedback.
"The Silver Medal from the EuroTier New Products Commission is a fantastic validation of our work. Our goal is to make daily barn hygiene easier, safer, and more profitable for every farmer," commented Willem Pennings, Technical Lead at MS Schippers. "Automating the entire cleaning cycle gives livestock farmers back valuable time and protects their health."
The company explained that the system's combination of automated cleaning, autonomous navigation and remote monitoring is intended to help producers address ongoing challenges related to labour availability, operational efficiency and biosecurity management in modern livestock operations.
MS Schippers is a family business that opened its doors in 1966, and is headquartered in Hapert, Netherlands. It’s Canadian concern is Schippers Canada Ltd. More information may be found at www.schippers.ca.