An apparatus for automatically milking animals, such as cows, comprising a robotic mechanism, two computers each having a display screen and keyboard, the apparatus having a plurality of exchangeable parts provided with a signalling device to transmit information when an exchangeable part is malfunctioning, the signalling device also identifying the malfunctioning part on one of the display screens of a computer. An emergency electrical battery is provided at an individual compartment for milking an animal for providing electrical power in the event of failure of the main power, and a computer is provided for closing down non-vital functions in the event of such power failure or of malfunctioning of the part or parts concerned. The teat cups of the set of teat cups which are automatically installed and removed from the last animal being milked can also be individually installed manually on the animal's teats, and a second set of teat cups for similar manual installation and removal is also provided, including conduits for pulsating the teat cups of the second set connected to a vacuum source, and for conveying milk received in such teat cups to a receptacle.