Efficiency and Sustainability in the Forest through Autonomous Technologies

Driverless cars, autonomous delivery drones, caregiving robots, or fully automated factories—these are just a few examples of autonomous systems that are reshaping the daily lives and work of the 21st century. These systems share the characteristics of independent action, perception and interaction with the environment, and the ability to tackle complex tasks—attributes that can also revolutionize forestry.

Many activities in the forest are labor-intensive, heavy machinery can damage forest floors, and there are frequent incidents of severe work-related accidents. Can autonomous technologies find solutions, take on heavy and hazardous tasks, and manage forests in a more gentle manner? Can the benefits of such systems be utilized in forestry?

We believe in the potential!

Autonomy and automation on the ground and in the air offer unprecedented possibilities. They contribute to sustainability, forest protection, research, and economic viability. Additionally, autonomous technologies could undertake entirely new activities that are currently unimaginable due to limited resources or insufficient technical capabilities.

Therefore, the Evergreen Innovation Camp 2022 took the next step towards future technologies, seeking innovative and forward-thinking ideas and concepts for the "Autonomous Forest Worker." 

Key focus areas of this past Hackathon:

Tracking/Tracing

Ensuring the traceability of tree trunks to their exact origin is crucial to ensure that only designated trees enter the supply chain for harvesting. Exciting concepts related to this were already developed at the Evergreen Innovation Camp 2019. These concepts are based on the unique identification of each tree.

Can autonomous technologies simplify the identification of individual trees in the forest?

Forest work

The forest is a site of diverse manual activities, while heavy machinery such as harvesters and forwarders are used for other tasks. These activities share a common aspect: they have traditionally required human intervention.

Can some of these tasks in the forest be taken over by autonomous technology? Where can the strengths of autonomous systems be utilized in the forest?

Tracking/Tracing

Ensuring the traceability of tree trunks to their exact origin is crucial to ensure that only designated trees enter the supply chain for harvesting. Exciting concepts related to this were already developed at the Evergreen Innovation Camp 2019. These concepts are based on the unique identification of each tree.

Can autonomous technologies simplify the identification of individual trees in the forest?