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Exploring the Feasibility of Autonomous Forestry Operations: Results from the First Experimental Unmanned Machine
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  • Pedro Miranda La Hera,
  • Omar Mendoza Trejo,
  • Ola Lindroos,
  • Håkan Lideskog,
  • Torbjörn Lindbä,
  • Saira Latif,
  • Songyu Li,
  • Magnus Karlberg
Pedro Miranda La Hera
Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet Institutionen for skogens biomaterial och teknologi

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Omar Mendoza Trejo
Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet Institutionen for skogens biomaterial och teknologi
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Ola Lindroos
Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet Institutionen for skogens biomaterial och teknologi
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Håkan Lideskog
Lulea tekniska universitet Institutionen for teknikvetenskap och matematik
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Torbjörn Lindbä
Lulea tekniska universitet Institutionen for teknikvetenskap och matematik
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Saira Latif
Lulea tekniska universitet Institutionen for teknikvetenskap och matematik
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Songyu Li
Lulea tekniska universitet Institutionen for teknikvetenskap och matematik
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Magnus Karlberg
Lulea tekniska universitet Institutionen for teknikvetenskap och matematik
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Abstract

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