SmartForest: Bringing Industry 4.0 to the Norwegian forest sector

Informations

Funding country

Norway

Acronym

-

URL

-

Start date

1/1/2020

End date

12/31/2028

Budget

11,808,000 EUR

Fundings

Abstract

In SmartForest we work with the digitalization of the Norwegian forest sector to enable the next leap in efficiency and environmental performance of the forest sector. This is possible by enabling technologies (drones, remote sensing data, sensors, machine data, robotics, blockchain, and digital twinning) and their deployment in the forest sector, leading to innovations, improved efficiency, and new business models. SmartForest operates with six key applications areas for digitalization in the forest-based value chain: (1) Forest resource information: where different sources of remotely sensed data are combined resulting in improved continually updated forest information. In 2022, among others we have worked with improving site index mapping with repeated ALS data. (2) Precision silviculture: where cost-efficient and potentially semi-automated treatments such as precision regeneration or fertilization are developed and implemented for increased growth rates. In 2022, we have among other things worked on developing the use of drone in the stand establishment phase. (3) Digitally-enabled forest operations: where improve production efficiency and reduced environmental impacts are achieved through application of digital tools to better plan forest harvesting, to improve machine operator performance, and ultimately to automate or semi-automate some components of forest harvesting. In 2022, we have installed sensor solutions that include lidars, IMU, and GNSS on forest harvesters. (4) Precision wood supply: where the value of harvested wood is maximized through optimization of sensor-generated information on wood quality throughout the supply chain, and the supply fluctuations are reduced through improved planning with new digital tools. With the Swedish company Logscom, SmartForest will test their log numbering system in combination with a camera solution at the sawmill to trace the timber from the forest to the sawmill and combine data along the forest value chain. (5) Traceability and certification: where full traceability of each log from stump to end product is enabled though application of sensors and tracking technologies and the information is utilized to improve certification procedures. In SmartForest we develop a prototype system for automated recording of environmental impacts during harvest. (6) The digital value chain: where new and existing digital tools and systems are connected in forming the foundation for all actors to share and access data and information, and in this way optimize the whole value chain performance. SmartForest works with further develop and use of frameworks and interfaces for data sharing and insight along the value chain.