Enhancing dairy farming: DeLaval and KTH Flemingsberg to forge a new collaboration 

24 June, 2024 | News
The Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) Flemingsberg and DeLaval have begun exploring avenues for collaboration following a visit to DeLaval’s global headquarters. This collaboration has the potential to advance innovative technological solutions aimed at improving dairy farming practices while also nurturing the next generation of graduates through hands-on practical skills.

Last month, DeLaval welcomed the Head of the Department for Production Engineering, along with professors and doctoral candidates from one of Sweden’s leading universities, KTH Flemingsberg, to our global headquarters in Tumba. This occasion allowed DeLaval to showcase its technological product range and give attendees a tour of the VMS barn. For KTH, it provided an opportunity to discuss the university’s varied programmes and departments.

KTH Flemingsberg — located in one of northern Europe’s pivotal hubs for technology and health — is dedicated to interdisciplinary advancements that integrate medical technology, data science, chemistry, and electrical engineering. These fields are essential in fulfilling DeLaval’s mission to develop innovative solutions, such as robotic milking machines and AI-driven behavioural analysis systems, which aim to improve cow welfare, promote sustainability, and enhance productivity in dairy farming. 

This new collaboration builds upon DeLaval’s existing partnership with KTH’s  campus at Valhallavägen, Stockholm. Reflecting on its potential, Anders Cajander, KTH Head of Division of Health Informatics and Logistics, says: “A focus on health and sustainability is a natural part in both KTH’s and DeLaval’s DNA. I am convinced that this emerging collaboration could foster novel solutions in areas of joint interest such as data-driven health and innovative solutions related to embedded systems.”

Magnus Östvall, Software Manager, Platform Software at DeLaval, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, noting its potential to provide students with practical insights into real-world applications: “Collaborating with KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Flemingsberg benefits both organisations. KTH’s departments align well with DeLaval’s product development, including MedTech, sensors, Cell Counters, and software systems. This collaboration also helps DeLaval identify potential future employees, bringing in new talent and fresh perspectives while staying at the forefront of research and innovation.” 

Peter Lindahl, a former KTH student now working as a software engineer at DeLaval, echos Magnus’ sentiments. He remarks, “These types of projects between students and industry are clearly beneficial for both parties. I have experience working with university students on projects and think it’s extremely beneficial for the students to see real world applications, as well for DeLaval to explore advancements in technology.”  

Read press release Enhancing dairy farming: DeLaval and KTH Flemingsberg to forge a new collaboration  on corporate.delaval.com