Abstract
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.
Highlights
Technology development, in terms of both capability and cost-effective integration, is moving at a fast pace
Robotics, defined as »a scientific and engineering discipline that is focused on the understanding and use of artificial, embodied capabilities«, recently celebrated its 50-year anniversary
For the forest industry, one limitation for more extenisve use of autonomous equipment is the lack of larger-scale market demand for harvesting machinery
Summary
Technology development, in terms of both capability and cost-effective integration, is moving at a fast pace. Automation and Robotics in Forest Harvesting Operations: Identifying Near-Term ... Þ that 60% of robots will depend on cloud-based software to define new skills, cognitive capabilities, and application programs, leading to the formation of a robotics cloud marketplace in 2020 The latter development will be important for higher levels of machine automation to succeed in more remote and complex forest work environments. While these are examples of automated components of forestry supply chain, this paper focusses primarily on the application of automation and robotics in timber harvesting systems, with a focus on identifying the most immediate near-term opportunities for development and deployment
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