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.