Marko Hauta-aho has over twenty years of experience with harvesters. He started working for Metsä-Multia in Central Finland two years ago.
“The Harvester’s sensors produce a huge amount of data. The AI compares the data and how it has been done before and continuously optimizes its operations. Then it brings the best options for me to see and process. That’s how I see it. So it does think in a way. Although I’m not always sure where the AI is cracking and where the ready-made programs are.”
As a rule of thumb, you can think of AI as relevant when the action changes as the amount of data increases. Because AI can apply the data it collects. It learns, unlike a regular computer program.
Productivity booster
Artificial intelligence can help the driver, for example, in optimizing the cutting of wood. Artificial intelligence can analyze trunk measurement data in real time and calculate how the tree should be cut into logs and pulpwood to obtain the best possible economic benefit from the trunk.
The driver often doesn't even have to choose the best cutting point for the frame, the machine suggests it or does it automatically.
The harvester also collects data on all felled trees – artificial intelligence analyzes tree diameters, lengths, and species to support forest planning, among other things. The AI can also combine GPS, LIDAR, and machine vision data to create accurate maps of logging areas.
The long road leads to the harvester's cabin
Hauta-aho graduated from forestry school in 1996. He spent his first eight years driving a forwarder. He believes that anyone who wants to drive a harvester should generally practice their coordination and overall control, as well as learn how to move around in the forest with the machines. A harvester is a tough production machine, and there is no short cut to operating it.
“In an eight-hour shift, 600–1000 trunks should be felled.”
A new harvester costs over half a million euros.
"Yes, those prices start at six."
Artificial intelligence is creeping everywhere these days, but Hauta-aho also reminds us of the development of automation more generally.
“Development has been rapid over the last twenty years. Automation is constantly simplifying operations and increasing productivity. Today, for example, all harvesting data is automatically sent to the forestry company.”
The driver must also be able to perform minor hydraulic and electrical work – if necessary, even in the dark winter forest under the harvester's lights.
“However, hydraulics have improved so much that such repair work is no longer needed very often.”
