HEALTH BENEFITS OF USING AN AUTONOMOUS WASHING ROBOT IN PIG BARNS

Maintaining a clean environment in pig barns is essential for ensuring the health and productivity of both the animals and the farm staff. Traditional manual pressure washing methods, while effective, can pose significant health risks and challenges for farm workers.

The introduction of autonomous farm washing robots, such as the EVO Cleaner, revolutionizes the cleaning process, offering numerous advantages.

This article explores the medical problems that are avoided by using a washing robot in pig pens and highlights the benefits for farmers and staff.

CLEAN ENVIRONMENT – THE ADVANTAGES FOR THE FARMER

1. Financial advantages: increased production through a safe environment

   A clean environment is crucial for the health and growth of pigs. When pigs are housed in a sanitary environment, they are less likely to contract diseases, which can impede growth and reduce overall production.

   An autonomous washing robot ensures that pig pens are consistently clean, minimizing the risk of disease outbreaks. This leads to healthier pigs, faster growth rates, and higher production levels. Consequently, farmers can enjoy increased financial returns due to improved productivity and reduced veterinary costs.

2. Healthy staff

   The health of farm staff is paramount. Manual cleaning tasks, especially in environments filled with animal waste, can expose workers to various health hazards.

   By using an autonomous washing robot, such as the EVO Cleaner, these risks are significantly reduced. The robot takes over the arduous task of cleaning, allowing staff to focus on less hazardous duties. This not only improves the overall health of the workforce but also reduces absenteeism due to illness, ensuring a more stable and productive work environment.

HEALTH RISKS IN MANUAL PRESSURE WASHING OF PIG SHELTERS

Problems generated by the manual use of a pressure washer

• Manual pressure washing can lead to several physical health issues.
• The repetitive motion and physical strain required to operate a pressure washer can cause musculoskeletal problems, such as back pain and joint issues.
• Additionally, the vibration from the pressure washer can impair blood circulation, leading to conditions like hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS), which causes numbness, pain, and reduced grip strength in the hands and arms.

Diseases generated by working in an environment with water vapor and pig excrement

• Working in an environment that combines water vapor with pig excrement is particularly hazardous.
• The warm, moist conditions can foster the growth of harmful bacteria, viruses, and fungi
• Workers are at risk of contracting respiratory infections, skin infections, and other illnesses from prolonged exposure.
• Ammonia fumes from pig waste can cause respiratory problems, eye irritation, and long-term lung damage.
• Moreover, exposure to zoonotic diseases, which can be transmitted from animals to humans, is a significant concern in such settings.

ADVANTAGES OF THE EVO CLEANER AUTONOMOUS ROBOT

Precise washing in the most difficult and inaccessible areas

• The EVO Cleaner is designed to reach areas that are challenging for manual cleaners. Its advanced navigation system ensures thorough cleaning in every corner of the pig pen, including those that are typically hard to access. This precision ensures a higher standard of hygiene, reducing the risk of disease transmission and creating a healthier environment for both animals and staff.

Communication and reporting of activity status to farm staff and the service team

• One of the standout features of the EVO Cleaner is its ability to communicate and report its activity status to the farm staff and service team.
• This continuous reporting ensures that farm managers are always aware of the cleaning status, can quickly address any issues that arise, and maintain optimal hygiene standards.
• The robot's reporting capabilities also allow for proactive maintenance, reducing downtime and ensuring consistent performance.

Consistent washing as often as needed

• The EVO Cleaner can be programmed to wash the pig pens as often as needed, even during holidays or when the farm is otherwise engaged. This consistency ensures that hygiene standards are maintained at all times, without any deviations.
• Regular cleaning helps prevent the buildup of waste and reduces the proliferation of pathogens, contributing to a healthier environment for the pigs and farm staff.

Improved staff motivation and engagement

• By relieving staff from the unpleasant and hazardous task of manual cleaning, the EVO Cleaner boosts employee morale.
• Staff can focus on more rewarding and less dangerous activities, such as caring for and monitoring the animals. This shift in duties leads to a more engaged and motivated workforce, as employees are no longer burdened with the physically demanding and often unpleasant task of cleaning pig pens.

Staff involvement in responsible activities

• With the EVO Cleaner handling the cleaning, farm staff can be more involved in responsible activities that directly impact animal welfare.
• Monitoring animal health, ensuring proper feeding, and maintaining a clean-living environment become the primary focus. This not only improves the overall health and productivity of the animals but also enhances job satisfaction for the staff, as they are engaged in more meaningful and less hazardous tasks./li>

CONCLUSIONS

• The use of an autonomous washing robot, such as the EVO Cleaner, in pig barns offers significant health benefits for both farm animals and staff. By automating the cleaning process, the robot ensures a consistently clean and safe environment, reducing the risk of disease and improving overall productivity. The financial advantages for farmers are clear, as healthier pigs lead to higher production and reduced veterinary costs. Moreover, the health and well-being of farm staff are greatly enhanced, as they are no longer exposed to the hazardous conditions associated with manual cleaning.
• The EVO Cleaner not only ensures precise and thorough cleaning but also provides continuous communication and reporting, enabling farm managers to maintain high hygiene standards. Its ability to operate consistently, even during holidays, ensures that cleanliness is never compromised. As a result, farm staff can focus on more responsible and fulfilling activities, improving their motivation and engagement.
• Incorporating the EVO Cleaner into pig farming operations is a step towards a safer, healthier, and more productive farming environment. By mitigating the health risks associated with manual cleaning and ensuring a consistently clean environment, the EVO Cleaner contributes to the overall success and sustainability of pig farms.
• Available through Flextim Industry in Romania, Hungary, Bulgaria, the Republic of Moldova, and Serbia, the EVO Cleaner washing robot represents a significant advancement in farm management technology, promoting better health and efficiency across the region.
• Flextim Industry technical team takes excellent care of programming the farm washing robot, at the place (e.g. optimum washing recipes), training, service, spare parts, all warranty aspects.