In 2024, we reached a major milestone in our journey to create an operational autonomous robot for forestry.
Building on the insights from our first conceptual forest robot, we tackled challenges related to size and maneuverability in rough forest environments. To achieve this, we partnered with Pfanzelt Maschinenbau and transformed the Moritz FR70, a robust mini felling tractor, into an advanced forestry robotic research platform.
Key features of our progress include:
✔️ Development of an interface for seamless programmatic communication, while maintaining original remote controller functionality.
✔️ Integration of cutting-edge sensors, including LiDAR, GNSS receivers, and stereo cameras, enabling autonomous navigation.
✔️ Installation of a powerful on-board computer for real-time data processing.
We’re also setting up a base station for control and monitoring during our upcoming field trials. By utilizing a consistent sensor configuration across various tasks, we can streamline development and enhance data analysis, ensuring efficient navigation and robust data exchange with other devices.
Congratulations to the team with Csongor Horvath, Steffan Lloyd, Johannes Rahlf, Stephan Hoffmann, Mostafa Hoseini, Kjersti Holt Hanssen and Rasmus Astrup and their fruitful collaboratin with Pfanzelt Maschinenbau and RIF Institut für Forschung und Transfer.