Exploring the Feasibility of Autonomous Forestry Operations: Results
from the First Experimental Unmanned Machine
- Pedro Miranda La Hera,
- Omar Mendoza Trejo,
- Ola Lindroos,
- Håkan Lideskog,
- Torbjörn Lindbä,
- Saira Latif,
- Songyu Li,
- Magnus Karlberg
Omar Mendoza Trejo
Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet Institutionen for skogens biomaterial och teknologi
Author ProfileOla Lindroos
Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet Institutionen for skogens biomaterial och teknologi
Author ProfileHåkan Lideskog
Lulea tekniska universitet Institutionen for teknikvetenskap och matematik
Author ProfileTorbjörn Lindbä
Lulea tekniska universitet Institutionen for teknikvetenskap och matematik
Author ProfileSaira Latif
Lulea tekniska universitet Institutionen for teknikvetenskap och matematik
Author ProfileSongyu Li
Lulea tekniska universitet Institutionen for teknikvetenskap och matematik
Author ProfileMagnus Karlberg
Lulea tekniska universitet Institutionen for teknikvetenskap och matematik
Author ProfileAbstract
This article presents a study on the world's first unmanned machine
designed for autonomous forestry operations. In response to the
challenges associated with traditional forestry operations, we developed
a platform equipped with essential hardware components necessary for
performing autonomous forwarding tasks. Through the use of computer
vision, autonomous navigation, and manipulator control algorithms, the
machine is able to pick up logs from the ground and manoeuvre through a
range of forest terrains without the need for human intervention. Our
initial results demonstrate the potential for safe and efficient
autonomous extraction of logs in the cut-to-length harvesting process.
We achieved a high level of accuracy in our computer vision system, and
our autonomous navigation system proved to be highly efficient. This
research represents a significant milestone in the field of autonomous
outdoor robotics, with far-reaching implications for the future of
forestry operations. By reducing the need for human labour, autonomous
machines have the potential to increase productivity and reduce labour
costs, while also minimizing the environmental impact of timber
harvesting. The success of our study highlights the potential for
further development and optimization of autonomous machines in the
forestry industry.24 May 2023Submitted to Journal of Field Robotics 24 May 2023Submission Checks Completed
24 May 2023Assigned to Editor
01 Jun 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
08 Jun 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
15 Aug 2023Editorial Decision: Revise Major
16 Oct 20231st Revision Received
16 Oct 2023Submission Checks Completed
16 Oct 2023Assigned to Editor
16 Oct 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
17 Oct 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned