Komatsu is well known as a global manufacturer of construction machinery, but we have also long engaged in the forestry business on a global scale. Through our involvement in every stage of forestry from replanting and cultivation to harvesting, and our efforts to ensure these steps are connected in a perpetually regenerative cycle, our aim is to protect the vital resource of forests and contribute to the realization of a sustainable global environment.
Responding to the diverse challenges of the forestry industry, Komatsu forest business sets itself apart by seeking and providing both “mono” (the tangible) like our innovative machines and “koto” (the intangible) which includes services like our DX solutions. At forestry sites around the world, we not only introduce forestry machines that can be operated more comfortably and safely with improved productivity and low environmental impact, but also offer solutions driven by DX (Digital Transformation) to improve safety and productivity through and realize sustainable forestry.
Exhibited at the "SWEDISH FORESTRY EXPO 2023" in Sweden, "Centipede" is a forwarder concept machine developed in a large-scale joint project by Komatsu Forest AB and eight Swedish forestry companies. We spoke to Anton Aronsson, the project leader, to learn more about the development process.
Q1. Why did you name it "Centipede"?Q1. Why did you name it "Centipede"?
“Centipede (100 legs in Latin), of course, refers to the many-segmented insectivore. Like the centipede which moves quickly with little impact on the ground, our Centipede concept was named for its resemblance to the appearance and movement of this agile creature.”
Q2. Why is it important to reduce soil compaction?Q2. Why is it important to reduce soil compaction?
“When the soil is compressed, it becomes difficult for tree roots to develop, which has a negative impact on forest growth. Minimizing load on the ground from the movement of forestry machines is important to maintaining healthy forests.
Especially in recent years, global warming has resulted in increasing and lengthening periods when the soil is not frozen. When heavy objects are placed on soft unfrozen soil, they more easily compress the loose soil, damaging and hardening the ground surface and underlying layers of soil. Centipede is designed to reduce both whole body vibration for the operator and the risk of damage to the ground while covering terrain at a faster transport speed.”
Q3. What was the most difficult part of the development?Q3. What was the most difficult part of the development?
“For its development, we have had to overcome a series of challenges. We wanted to create a completely new concept – a machine that had never been seen before. After 10 years of repeated simulations and revisions to the concept, we completed this machine. Particularly revolutionary is the tracked transport system using rubber track shoes and a low ground pressure design. This has reduced impact on the ground, mitigating potential damage to tree roots. We believe that it will pave the way for the future of forestry machines.”
Q4. How did the project benefit from collaboration with eight forestry companies?Q4. How did the project benefit from collaboration with eight forestry companies?
“First of all, we were able to fully grasp the needs and issues facing forestry companies, for example, the decline in forestry machine operators and changes in soil conditions due to climate change. Secondly, their collaboration enabled testing the completed concept machine in actual forestry operations. For this project, multiple companies were truly united in sense of purpose and aspirations. Still today Komatsu and those forestry companies remain closely connected. I think this development project truly embodies Komatsu's brand promise of Creating value together.”
Q5. Tell us how you felt when the concept machine was completed?Q5. Tell us how you felt when the concept machine was completed?
“This machine was finally completed after the long years and repeated trial and error by not only our core project team, but also people from various departments and positions in Komatsu. Though it is hard put my feelings into words, I can say how wonderful it was for me to participate in this project. I believe everyone felt great joy and pride when they saw the concept machine in operation at the post-completion.”
Q6. What are your dreams for the development of future forestry machine?Q6. What are your dreams for the development of future forestry machine?
“Komatsu is currently running a global brand campaign. The campaign message is about the high value of our products for customers who place importance on the well-being of the environment and people everywhere. I would like to create forestry machines that embody this message. Through our machines, we will maximize productivity and minimize the burden on the environment. My dream is to continue developing sustainable, intelligent machines together with forestry companies.
“Komatsu is not only developing machines, but also focusing on the development of DX solutions. One is our Smart Forestry system currently being rolled out mainly in Europe. Data are sent from forestry machines equipped with a modem to a server via 4G or satellite lines. These data enable remote monitoring of operating time, location, path, felling volume, production volume and other operational information of the machines. Moreover, operational status and location information are shared between multiple machines. Spanning the entire process from tree felling to transportation using the optimal route, this solution reduces the burden on forests and effectively improves productivity.”
Komatsu is promoting smart forestry through our development of safe forestry machines that have a reduced impact on the forest environment and realize improve work efficiencies through DX solutions. By providing machines and solutions to promote a vital cycle of forestry linking reforestation, cultivation, and harvesting, Komatsu contributes to the continued health of forests, the absorption of CO2 by trees, and ultimately our aim realizing a decarbonized society. The mono and koto of Komatsu's forestry business are moving forward toward a sustainable future for the earth.
