IT-experts at the Ume? University in Sweden have constructed the world's first self-walking forest forwarder. With the help of two computers and a lot of sensors the experimental machine manages a transport round all on its own. The forwarder, a Valmet 830-model has been equipped with several sensors. With their help and aided by computers and GPS-navigation the machine learned a transport route and thereafter it could move all alone.
Simpler and more secure. There is still a driver on board when technicians test the new machine. They do not dare to send the ten ton device out all alone, but in a few years the machines should be able to operate on their own.
A forwarder without driver gets on with a lighter chassis and it consumes less fuel. Operations will be simpler and cheaper and they will cause less damage to nature.
The final product may be an unmanned timber shuttle that follows a manned harvester. It may be possible to have one driver monitoring two or several shuttles.
A lot of research will anyway have to be done before any commercial production of self-operating forwarders can start