Robots for Forest Maintenance
Author:
Gameiro Tiago1ORCID, Pereira Tiago1ORCID, Viegas Carlos2ORCID, Di Giorgio Francesco3, Ferreira NM Fonseca14ORCID
Affiliation:
1. Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, Coimbra Institute of Engineering, Rua Pedro Nunes-Quinta da Nora, 3030-199 Coimbra, Portugal 2. Univ Coimbra, ADAI, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Rua Luís Reis Santos, Pólo II, 3030-788 Coimbra, Portugal 3. Polytechnic of Torino, Corso Duca Degli Abruzzi, 24, 10129 Torino, Italy 4. GECAD—Knowledge Research Group on Intelligent Engineering and Computing for Advanced Innovation and Development of the Engineering Institute of Porto (ISEP), Polytechnic Institute of Porto (IPP), 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
Abstract
Forest fires are becoming increasingly common, and they are devastating, fueled by the effects of global warming, such as a dryer climate, dryer vegetation, and higher temperatures. Vegetation management through selective removal is a preventive measure which creates discontinuities that will facilitate fire containment and reduce its intensity and rate of spread. However, such a method requires vast amounts of biomass fuels to be removed, over large areas, which can only be achieved through mechanized means, such as through using forestry mulching machines. This dangerous job is also highly dependent on skilled workers, making it an ideal case for novel autonomous robotic systems. This article presents the development of a universal perception, control, and navigation system for forestry machines. The selection of hardware (sensors and controllers) and data-integration and -navigation algorithms are central components of this integrated system development. Sensor fusion methods, operating using ROS, allow the distributed interconnection of all sensors and actuators. The results highlight the system’s robustness when applied to the mulching machine, ensuring navigational and operational accuracy in forestry operations. This novel technological solution enhances the efficiency of forest maintenance while reducing the risk exposure to forestry workers.
Funder
European Funds FCT Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra
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2 articles.
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