This article presents a study on the world's first unmanned machine designed for autonomous forestry operations. In response to the challenges associated with traditional forestry operations, we developed a platform equipped with essential hardware components necessary for performing autonomous forwarding tasks. Through the use of computer vision, autonomous navigation, and manipulator control algorithms, the machine is able to pick up logs from the ground and manoeuvre through a range of forest terrains without the need for human intervention. Our initial results demonstrate the potential for safe and efficient autonomous extraction of logs in the cut-to-length harvesting process. We achieved a high level of accuracy in our computer vision system, and our autonomous navigation system proved to be highly efficient. This research represents a significant milestone in the field of autonomous outdoor robotics, with far-reaching implications for the future of forestry operations. By reducing the need for human labour, autonomous machines have the potential to increase productivity and reduce labour costs, while also minimizing the environmental impact of timber harvesting. The success of our study highlights the potential for further development and optimization of autonomous machines in the forestry industry.

This work presents outdoor test results of autonomous navigation system based on two different reference points of PurePursuit algorithm for a 10-ton articulated research platform. PurePursit is commonly used simplified tracking algorithm based on geometric calculation of desired steering angle by pursuing certain number of points/distance ahead on given path from a fixed reference point of vehicle. Choice of fixed reference point effects the tracking accuracy particularly for articulated/center-steered vehicles. In this experimental work, PurePursuit algorithm with a virtual reference point (PPV) and commonly used front-axle reference point (PPF) is evaluated for heavy duty articulated vehicles in outdoor experiments. Experimental data shows that choice of reference point in PurePursuit algorithm for articulated vehicle has impact on tracking accuracy in terms of crosstrack errors and heading errors. Navigation tests were performed on a flat asphalt surface for paths of sharp complexities i-e a path with continuous curvature (circular path) and a path with sharp turns (zigzag path) with different initial conditions i-e initial position of vehicle. In general, it can be concluded that PurePursuit algorithm with front reference point (PPF) produced fewer crosstrack errors while PurePursuit algorithm with virtual midpoint reference (PPV) produced fewer heading errors.

This research was mainly focused on the evaluation of path planning approaches as a prerequisite for the automation of bale collection operations. A comparison between a traditional bale collection path planning approach using traditional vehicles such as tractors, and loaders with an optimized path planning approach using a new autonomous articulated concept vehicle with neighborhood reach capabilities (AVN) was carried out. Furthermore, the effects of carrying capacity on reduction in the working distance of the bale collection operation was also studied. It was concluded that the optimized path planning approach using AVN with increased carrying capacity significantly reduced the working distance for the bale collection operation and can thus improve agricultural sustainability, particularly within forage handling.