New configurations of the tele-extraction concept

ABSTRACT

Within cut-to-length forwarding, a theoretical semi-autonomous teleoperation concept called tele-extraction, with automation of crane work and teleoperation of driving, was modeled and simulated. Both configurations modeled had greater potential for cost reduction than a previously studied alternative where the driving was automated, and crane work was teleoperated. Teledrive with teleoperated driving empty, driving loaded, and driving between log piles while loading, showed a reduced cost of 10% for five operators on ten forwarders, whereas teledrive with both loading and driving while loading automated showed a reduced cost of 18% at four operators. In both configurations, the lowest cost was reached at about 10% lower productivity compared to standard forwarding. Increased extraction distance had a negative impact on potential for cost reduction since the driving was teleoperated while terminal activities were autonomous.

KEYWORDS:

• forwarding
• CTL
• teleoperation
• automation
• discrete event simulation
• organization

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Supplementary material

Supplemental data for this article can be accessed online at https://doi.org/10.1080/14942119.2023.2234638