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Economic pressure is forcing European family farms to expand milk production. With conventional milking methods, they come up against workload limits. Automatic milking systems (AMS) are a solution. If manpower is the principal factor limiting increased output in conventional milking, the cows behaviour is one factor determining the usage limits of AMS. As yet there are few principles on which to base an assessment of potential applications, particularly from the viewpoint of economic viability. This presentation deals with these related issues and draws conclusions on the needs for further development.