Next Generation Technology for Precise and Sustainable Forestry
Backers and Partners of NFA
Machine Perception - The Next Big Step in Forest Tech
The core technology developed by NFA is a retrofit system solution that enables forestry machines to continuously build a digital representation of the environment around them. This is a platform technology with a broad range of uses within precision forestry, from inventory and decision support to advanced machine automation
Our first product is an advanced driver assistance system for forest harvesters. It supports the driver through enhanced situational awareness and clear visualization of progress toward any harvesting goal
Robust and Accurate Localization
Centimeter accurate localization of trees and machine, robust against short-term GNSS outages which are common under a tree canopy
Tree Detection and Characterization
Precise detection and DBH measurment of each individual tree, even in challenging environments. Extended tree characterization coming soon
Rugged Sensor Stack
Lidar, GNSS, RGB Camera, IMU IP68/69k, ±40C
Onboard Compute
Nvidia edge AI compute platform, no depencence on internet connectivity
Benefits
Features
The Roots
The forestry sector is in a transitional phase. It is adapting to meet increased demand for sustainable raw materials, carbon storage, and biodiversity conservation, while at the same time handling a severe shortage of experienced machine operators. New technology that enables precision forestry and automation will play a crucial role in meeting these challenges. NFA is at the forefront of this development
The founding team behind NFA comes from an industrial research and development background with PhDs from the Wallenberg AI Autonomous Systems and Software program, and has family ties to the small scale forestry in Sweden. The side-project that eventually became NFA started from a simple observation: Automation and advanced driver assistance systems are transformative technologies that have unlocked tremendous value in automotive, agriculture, mining and other verticals, but have yet to reach forestry in a meaningful way. We decided to change that
Phase 1 - Explorative Prototyping
2019 - 2021
Several iterations of early prototypes were developed and evaluated to set the foundation of the technology in terms of sensor modalities, compute platforms, algorithms, software frameworks etc. Early on, we demonstrated our prototype's capabilities to representatives of leading forestry companies in Swedish forestry, who strongly recommended targeting a harvester operator support system for thinning as a first application
Phase 2 - Deep User Engagement
2021 - 2023
The first product was designed and developed in close collaboration with machine operators from day one. Through joint development projects with key partner companies, we were able to continuously collect user feedback, and improve performance, robustness and features of the system through over-the-air updates
Phase 3 - Preparing for Launch
2023 - 2025
The next step was to offer preseries units to early adopter customers, to continue developing the systems, and learn about new use cases, forest types and machines. At this time, we have 7 permanently deployed instances of the preseries system, that have accumulated over 5000 operating hours in the Nordics, North America and Australia. The final version of the first product will launch in Q3 2025
Phase 4 - ADAS for Forestry
2025 - Future
Our long term aim is to offer a full range of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) that supports the driver further in executing precise sustainable forestry operations while fully utilizing the productive potential of modern forestry machines. This will be achieved through partially automating machine functions based on the live digital representation of the environment, similar to for example adaptive cruise control and autopilot functionality in modern cars
The NFA Team
There's a rule of thumb that modern robotics and automation is 10% hardware and 90% software. This is reflected in the NFA team, in which 6 out of 8 members have a software background, and 4 have PhDs in robotics and computer vision. In addition to this, we have individuals with strong backgrounds in electronics product development, as well as business development and finance.
Apart from our in-house development, we're engaged in multiple joint projects and partnerships. The picture to the right is from a Vinnova funded development project where we collaborate with other companies, research institutes and universities
Join our Team!
We're always on the lookout for passionate and talented individuals that share our vision for sustainable forestry. Check out our current openings below or send a spontaneous application to career@nordicforestryautomation.com
News and Announcements
Stay up to date with the latest news, updates, and important announcements. From new features to special events, you'll find everything you need to know right here!
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NFA Selected for Breakit's list of Sweden's most impactful AI companies
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AI hjälper till att gallra rätt
Navigare Ventures invests in NFA
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NFA Co-founder and CEO receives WASP-award
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Södra rolls out AI system for operator support during harvesting
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NFA recognized as one of Sweden's 33 most promising tech startups
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Royal Academy of Engineering Sciences highlights the impact potential of NFA's technology
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NFA and partners have been awarded Vinnova funding to develop next generation operator support for harvesters
NFA:s förarstöd vid gallring testas brett på flera skördare i Sverige
NFA Closes investment round with Södra Ädla, Sveaskog and Almi Invest
Get in touch with us!
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