Smart machinery, equipment

LogBuch ermöglicht Datenaggregation direkt im Wald, sowie eine einfache Auswertung und Weiterverarbeitung der Daten.  Die Kombination aus Sprachaufzeichnung und Bluetooth-Button ermöglicht es, freihändig Bäume präzise zu verorten und wichtige Informationen direkt am Baum aufzuzeichnen, wie z. B. Sicherheitshinweise oder Planungen zum Arbeitsverfahren. Die zu erwartende Hiebsmenge kann ermittelt und Sortimente geplant werden. Forstwirte und Harvesterfahrer erhalten detaillierte Informationen, die Vernetzung mit Drittsystemen wird unterstützt. Die Technologie: Ein 2-Frequenz-GNSS-Empfänger wird mit einem Smartphone verbunden, um die aktuelle Position zu ermitteln. Alle gesprochenen Informationen können aufgezeichnet, automatisch transkribiert und klassifiziert sowie die aktuelle Position hinterlegt werden. WLAN wird für den Datenaustausch zwischen Smartphone, Webserver und anderen Benutzern verwendet. Die Daten können als Karte oder Tabelle in georeferenzierten oder nicht referenzierten Formaten (xlsx, GeoJson, shp, GPX, map) exportiert werden. Anwendungen: Präzise Vorbereitung der Holzernte und Aufbau eines digitalen „Warenbestandes“ (Bsp.: „Wertholzkataster“), Flächenaufnahme für Forstförderung / Pflanzflächen durch Verbinden aufgenommener Eckpunkte, Kartierung von Rückegassen durch die Linienfunktion und Speicherung für die Steuerung der Holzernte oder als Zertifizierungsgrundlage, Jagdorganisation, Erfassung von Habitatbäumen etc., sowie Verkehrssicherung.

The mechanization rate for harvesting hardwood stands is only 10% and mechanization in silviculture is very limited. Many operators report musculoskeletal disorders.The use of exoskeletons in the forest would make it possible to assist the operators in their work, it would make their task easier while aiming to preserve their health, without of course compromising their safety. It is a hybrid solution that combines the acuity of manual work with the strength and endurance of a machine, while obviously remaining affordable. Equipping field workers with ergonomic exoskeletons, adapted to work in the forest is an intermediate and complementary solution between mechanisation and manual work, allowing the unblocking of certain difficult situations. Seeking to increase human capacity instead of replacing it is also a way of meeting the various expectations of citizens (maintaining jobs in rural areas, social acceptability of forest sites) and of enhancing the value of work in the forest (and the sector) by promoting this type of initiative.

FOVEA offers an innovative all-in-one solution for digital logging of wood: With the “iFOVEA Pro” app, wooden piles of any size can be measured in a few minutes using the latest image processing technology. In addition, the forest management system (FMS) supports the inventory and logistics of wood quantities as extensive online software. The iFOVEA app provides different measurement methods depending on the requirements:

• Photo-optical measurement for plywood piles (number, solid cubic meters and cubic meters)
• Photo-optical measurement for industrial wood (outline and cubic meter)
• Photo-optical measurement for trucks (number, solid cubic meters and cubic meters)
• Data acquisition for long timber
• Manual section procedure with and without line sampling

The calculation of all measured values takes place directly on the smartphone or tablet and does not require an internet connection in the forest. With numerous configuration options, each measurement method can be individually adapted. With the Forest Management System (FMS), the measured data can be easily managed online. In addition to an extensive wood inventory, the system offers a map function and options for invoicing and automatic calculation of wood prices.

LogBuch enables data aggregation in the forest, a simple evaluation of the data and further processing.  The combination of voice recording and Bluetooth button enables hands-free precise location of trees with simultaneous recording of important information about the tree, such as safety instructions or planning working procedures. The expected cut volume can be determined, and assortments planned. Foresters and harvester operators both receive detailed information (cross-linking with third party systems is supported). Technology: An A 2-frequency GNSS-receiver is connected to a smartphone to estimate the current position. A bluetooth button is used for language analysis. All spoken information can be recorded, automatically transcribed and classified, and the actual position lodged. WLAN is used for data exchange between smartphone, webserver and other users. Data can be exported as a map or table in georeferenced or not referenced formats (xlsx, GeoJson, shp, GPX, map). Applications: Preparation of timber harvesting, establishment of a digital "inventory", area mapping (also planting) by connecting recorded corner points, mapping of skid trails by the line function (harvest control or certification basis), remote navigation via Google Maps. In addition, recording of habitat trees etc., support for hunting organization (high seats, driven hunt stands, stalking routes etc.) and traffic safety measures.

Improved work safety through a sensor node network which connects to anyone carrying such a node and provides information about the current danger situation over a license-free band using Bluetooth low energy (BLE). For example: in a tree felling operation with a harvester which is supported by a forest worker, any person with such a little IT-device in his / her pocket (such as supervision personal, field forester, …) will get information about the position of the harvester and the work the harvester is doing. On the other hand, also the harvester has the information about these people. Risk alert warnings are sent to actors automatically, risk zones and risk status can be retrieved from actors, offenses of critical overlaps in risk safety zones are identified. The system is using u-Blox M8N GPS modules and map visualization on screens. The information gets translated to a danger situation depending on the individual work-situation (for example larger danger area when the harvester is cutting a tree than while driving). Communication of 150 - 700m, up to 9 slave nodes and battery allows 50h usage. GPS accuracy around 2.5m under forest conditions. The system may connect to a Cloud. This opens further data processing options, such as inclusion of passers-by via GSM-net or team-oriented data analysis for work-safety education needs. 

Forestry crane work is often an isolated and rugged business carried out in challenging temperatures and harsh environments. Hiab’s HiVision™is transforming the working conditions and productivity using virtual reality technology, goggles, external cameras. Precision  and efficient log lifting every time - all from the safety and comfort of the crane cabin. HiVision™ is the first fully digitalised solution that gives a 270 degree view horizontally and 130 degree view vertically using external cameras mounted to the body of the equipment. The virtual reality technology assesses the external working conditions so the operator can stay safely within the truck cabin. Once the ‘target’ has been identified, the system allows the operator to guide the crane using an electronic joystick mounted on each armrest of the truck’s passenger seat. 

FeltGis was established in 2016 by three entrepreneurs from the IT and forestry sector with intent to develop easy to use digital solutions for increased efficiency in the forestry value chain. Today the FeltGis team consists of four working partners and are owned by a group of shareholders in an Ltd.  The product FeltBox is a wireless router connecting the forestry machine to the application FeltLog. The FeltLog app makes it possible to transfer information to a computer and to receive data. Two-way communication allows the forestry machine operator to receive work descriptions and to forward production data to the whole value chain. Production data is uploaded to a central database and the user has full control over what data to transfer. FeltBox can easily be installed in any forestry machine regardless of brand, at an affordable price. The system uses access via smartphone to stay updated and to transfer information, no additional internet connection is required. Today 100+ FeltGis solutions are installed in Norway and the same number are installed for testing in different countries. The FeltGis team actively work to develop customized and market-oriented solutions for the national and international market and has concrete plans for developing new innovative solutions in the time to come, expanding their product portfolio in both depth and width. The FeltGis team are currently in dialog with stakeholders from France, Spain, Uruguay, Ireland, and Finland.