Autonomous UAV Tree Harvesting for Remote Forest Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional tree harvesting methods are labor-intensive, expensive, slow, noisy, and environmentally damaging, especially in hard-to-reach locations, and existing aerial harvesting systems are inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing remotely and autonomously controlled Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for selecting, harvesting, and transporting ligno, equipped with means for detecting ligno parameters and growing conditions, allowing for precise selection and transportation based on detected data, and enabling synchronization of multiple UAVs for efficient logistics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional ground-based harvesting methods are used, then harvesting can be performed with simple equipment, but the process becomes labor-intensive, slow, and expensive especially in hard-to-reach locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces ground-based mechanical harvesting systems with an aerial robotic system that uses a drone to transport a harvesting mechanism above the tree canopy. This substitution enables access to hard-to-reach locations and significantly increases harvesting speed while reducing the need for complex ground infrastructure and heavy equipment deployment
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from two-dimensional ground-based harvesting to three-dimensional aerial harvesting by positioning the harvesting mechanism in the air above the forest canopy. This dimensional change allows the system to access remote locations without requiring complex ground equipment and enables faster movement between harvesting sites
2Productivity
If heavy ground-based equipment is used to reach difficult locations, then harvesting capacity increases, but the cost and environmental impact increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces heavy ground-based mechanical equipment with an aerial robotic system that operates above the forest canopy. This substitution eliminates the need for roads, clearings, and heavy vehicle movement through the forest, thereby maintaining high harvesting capacity while dramatically reducing environmental disturbance to the understory ecosystem
Solution Approach 2:
The aerial robotic system acts as an intermediary between the harvester and the forest, allowing harvesting operations to be conducted without direct ground contact. The drone transports the harvesting mechanism through the air, serving as a mediator that enables access to difficult locations while protecting the forest floor and its inhabitants from damage
3Adaptability or versatility
If aerial harvesting apparatus is used as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,263,932, then harvesting capability is achieved, but the system becomes very expensive, slow, noisy and labor intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the aerial harvesting system into separate functional modules: a drone platform for transport and a detachable harvesting mechanism. This segmentation allows the harvesting apparatus to be lighter and more maneuverable compared to integrated systems, reducing complexity while maintaining full harvesting capability through modular assembly and deployment
4Measurement precision
If manual tree selection is performed, then harvesting decisions can be made based on experience, but the process becomes time-consuming and less precise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection and experienced-based selection with automated optical sensing systems mounted on the drone. These sensors capture images and data of the forest canopy, enabling precise identification and measurement of ligno characteristics such as diameter, species, and health status, thereby eliminating time-consuming manual assessment while improving selection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements real-time feedback loops where sensor data from the drone is processed to automatically identify suitable ligno for harvesting. The feedback mechanism continuously monitors forest conditions, updates selection criteria, and adjusts the harvesting plan dynamically, enabling rapid and precise decision-making without manual intervention
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a system (10) for remote and/or autonomous selecting a tree to be harvested and/or to be transported, said system comprising: a remotely and/or autonomously controlled Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (100), UAV, comprising, at least one means for holding (105) and/or harvesting said at least a portion of a tree, means for detecting said a tree to be transported and/or harvested, means for detecting at least one of the group of tree parameters: diameter of said tree, length of said tree, tree species of said tree and/or the weight of said tree, a base station (120) for communication with said means configured for holding (105) and/or harvesting said tree and said UAV (100), and means configured for selecting at least a portion of a tree to be harvested and/or transported depending on at least one of said detected tree parameters.