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Austria's €6M AutoForst Project Uses AI to Revolutionize Forestry Safety

From bark beetle-busting drones to self-loading timber trucks, Austria's forests are entering a high-tech era. Can automation save lives and the timber industry?

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2 min read
The image shows a group of people working on a machine in the woods. There are wooden logs, a...
The image shows a group of people working on a machine in the woods. There are wooden logs, a vehicle, and other objects scattered around the machine. In the background, there are trees and a clear blue sky.

Austria's €6M AutoForst Project Uses AI to Revolutionize Forestry Safety

A new €6 million project is set to transform Austria's forestry industry through automation and digital tools. Led by Graz University of Technology (TU Graz), the initiative aims to make dangerous forestry tasks safer while improving efficiency. Nearly half of Austria is covered in forests, forming a crucial part of the country's timber supply chain and ecosystem.

The COMET project, named AutoForst, brings together four Austrian universities and around 20 industry partners. Researchers will focus on refining camera and sensor systems to detect hazards during loading operations. Fully automated transport logistics, powered by advanced sensors, will streamline the movement of timber from forest to buyer.

Drones fitted with high-resolution cameras will play a key role in identifying diseased trees early. This technology is expected to help combat bark beetle infestations, a growing threat to Austria's forests. The project also aims to reduce the physical risks faced by workers, as forestry remains one of the most hazardous and labour-intensive industries. Mario Hirz and Christoph Stocker from TU Graz's Institute of Vehicle Technology are leading the effort. Their team will develop assistive systems to take over high-risk tasks, such as loading tree trunks, minimising human exposure to danger. Digitalisation will enable real-time data collection, allowing better coordination between forest operations and downstream buyers. With skilled labour shortages adding pressure, the project seeks to modernise the entire roundwood supply chain. By integrating automation and smart technology, *AutoForst* plans to boost productivity while protecting workers and forest ecosystems.

The four-year initiative will test and implement new technologies in real forestry conditions. If successful, automated systems and digital monitoring could become standard across Austria's timber industry. The project's outcomes may also influence forestry practices in other regions facing similar challenges.

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