From Prototype to Production: Scaling an On-Farm Milk Analyzing Device to Low Volume Production Using Design for Manufacturability and Assembly

Abstract

The dairy industry is a complex and storied one that must innovate to survive. Dairy farmers have traditionally been unable to tap into the vast wealth of data contained within the milk of each cow. Labby, a startup company, seeks to change that paradigm with their Internet-of-Things Milk Analyzer. Labby has developed a proof-of-concept Milk Analyzer that optically analyzes the milk quality and milk composition of each cow, providing dairy farmers with rich insights into the health and performance of their herd. A prototype has been developed to validate the sensing performance and Labby is now poised to create a commercially-ready industrial device for production. In this thesis, a Milk Analyzer product is designed and developed in collaboration with Labby using an iterative product design process, with a focus on design for manufacturability and assembly (DFMA), so that low volume production of the device can commence. The product development and DFMA process is detailed, and the manufacturing and assembly methods of low volume electronic device production explored. Additionally, an add-on product to enhance the compatibility of the Milk Analyzer is developed and prototyped.