Technology

How Labby Works

Multi-modal optical sensing and AI deliver real-time milk analysis in under 10 seconds — inline, at every milking, for every cow.

The Process

Three steps. Ten seconds. Real-time results.

From milk flow to actionable data — here's what happens during every milking.

1
Sense

Light meets milk at the point of collection

As milk flows through the inline sensor, Labby illuminates it with precisely tuned light sources. Spectroscopy reads molecular composition and cellular biomarkers, while high-speed imaging captures visual structure — all working simultaneously. No sample vials, no technician, no interruption to milking.

1092 Labby 2047 Labby 4465 Labby STATION 01 STATION 02 STATION 03
2
Analyze

Proprietary AI turns raw signals into metrics

Raw spectral and image data flow into Labby's on-device AI engine. Proprietary algorithms interpret the optical signatures and recognize patterns across thousands of prior readings, continuously calibrated against DHIA lab references. The result: fat, protein, SCC, yield, and flow curve — in under 10 seconds.

RAW DATA Absorption Spectrum Spectral Signal Image Frame LABBY AI ENGINE Physics-Based Models Optical signal interpretation Machine Learning Pattern recognition & classification Calibration Engine DHIA lab reference alignment Processing in <10 seconds RESULTS Fat 3.82% Protein 3.24% SCC 85K Flow Curve Yield 12.3L
3
Act

Real-time insights, right where you work

Results appear instantly on the MilKey dashboard — per cow, per milking, with full trend history. Data syncs to your herd management system via API so every decision — treatment, feeding, breeding — is backed by current, cow-level data.

Dairy farmer checking a text message alert on their phone near the barn
The Science

Two core modalities. One compact device.

Most inline analyzers rely on a single measurement technique. Labby combines spectroscopy and imaging — each targeting different biological properties of milk — into a single sensor that delivers comprehensive analysis at the speed of milking.

MILK FLOW SPECTROSCOPY NIR Light Source Multi-band spectroscopy Detectors Fat, Protein, SCC IMAGING Image Processor Visual Quality & Cell Morphology AI SENSOR FUSION — Multi-modal Analysis
Spectroscopy

Molecular composition & cellular biomarkers

Precisely tuned NIR light passes through the milk stream. Different wavelengths interact with fat, protein, and cellular biomarkers, creating unique spectral signatures that reveal both composition and somatic cell count in a single pass — no reagents required.

Imaging

Visual structure & quality

High-speed imaging captures the visual characteristics of the milk flow — particle distribution, color, clarity, and cell morphology — adding a structural dimension to the spectral analysis.

Field Validated

Tested on real farms, with real cows

Labby has been deployed and validated in working dairy operations — from university research herds to commercial farms. Our data is continuously benchmarked against DHIA reference labs.

Cow ID camera detecting ear tags with AI bounding boxes in working parlor
Close-up of MilKey inline sensor with green status LED on milk pipeline
Labby sensor hardware installed on dairy pipeline equipment
5+
Farms tested
10K+
Milkings analyzed
DHIA
Lab-referenced calibration
Cornell
University research partner
Installation

Installs in hours, not weeks

MilKey sensors are designed to retrofit into existing milking parlors with minimal disruption. No structural modifications, no extended downtime — just bolt on, connect, and start collecting data.

  1. Mount the inline sensor directly on your milk pipeline — fits standard fittings
  2. Connect power and data via a single cable to the edge processor
  3. Pair with the Cow ID camera and flow meter at each stall
  4. Calibrate against your herd's baseline — automated, takes one milking cycle
  5. Data flows to MilKey dashboard and your herd management system immediately
Multiple Labby sensor units installed across parlor stalls
Data Integration

Your data goes where you need it

Labby data is only as valuable as its ability to reach the systems where decisions happen. That's why MilKey is built API-first — every data point is accessible via modern, standards-based interfaces that connect to your existing dairy management stack.

  • RESTful API with real-time and batch endpoints
  • Designed to integrate with major herd management platforms
  • ICAR-compliant data formats for regulatory reporting
  • Cloud-based with on-farm edge processing for low-latency results
  • CSV and PDF export for ad-hoc analysis and veterinary reports
MilKey API Response
{
  "cow_id": "4465",
  "timestamp": "2026-04-18T06:32:00Z",
  "fat_pct": 3.82,
  "protein_pct": 3.24,
  "scc": 85000,
  "yield_liters": 12.3,
  "flow_curve": "normal"
}
GET /api/v1/milkings/{cow_id}/latest

See it in action

Want to see how Labby performs on your farm? Our team will walk you through the technology and help you evaluate the fit.

Get in Touch