¶ Paper on identifying near-term opportunities in automation & robotics in forest harvesting operations
Description: Technology development, in terms of both capability and cost-effective integration, is moving
at a fast pace. While advanced robotic systems are already commonplace in controlled workspaces such as factories, the use of remote controlled or autonomous machines in more complex
environments, such as for forest operations, is in its infancy. There is little doubt autonomous
machinery will play an important role in forest operations in the future. Many machine functions already have the support of automation, and the implementation of remote control of the
machine where an operator can operate a piece of equipment, typically in clear line-of sight,
at least is commonly available. Teleoperation is where the operator works from a virtual environment with live video and audio feedback from the machine. Since teleoperation provides a
similar operator experience to working in the machine, it is relatively easy for an operator to
use teleoperation. Autonomous systems are defined by being able to perform certain functions
without direct control of a human operator. This paper presents opportunities for remote
control, teleoperated machines in forest operations and presents examples of existing developments and ideas from both forestry and other industries. It identified the extraction phase of
harvesting as the most logical placement of autonomous machines in the near-term. The authors recognise that, as with all emerging technologies and sectors, there is ample scope for
differences in opinions as to what will be commercially successful in the future.
Snapshot: 0
Category: Article
FWPA RD&E: 4.4
¶ Details
| Company | Country | Type | Website | Available in Australia? | Year | Status | Remarks | TRL | Employees | Colour | Inventors | Patent Model. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visser and Obi | University of Canterbury, NZ and University of Nigeria | Paper | Link | 2021 | Red |