Silva­Bot

Silva­Bot

Robotics for the future of forests

Climate change poses enormous challenges for Europe’s forests. Drought, pests and forest fires are threatening the survival of many tree species. New approaches are needed to safeguard the ecological functions of forests and adapt them to changing environmental conditions. This is where the research project SilvaBot which is being carried out by the Fachhochschule der Wirtschaft (FHDW) in cooperation with MINTMASTERS GmbH and CTM Fahrzeugbau GmbH. The project is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research.

Aim of SilvaBot is the development of a modular, scalable and (partially) autonomous robotic system that supports reforestation and forest maintenance. Innovative technologies and software-based services are used to make the planting of seedlings more efficient and less labor-intensive. Human labor is specifically supplemented and relieved in order to implement forest conversion on a large scale and sustainably.

The interdisciplinary project team combines expertise in vehicle construction, electrical engineering, robotics and software development. Together, we are creating a forward-looking solution for the ecological transformation of our forests.