Forest Robots LLC is involved with the development of robotic logging technology. As the environmental regulations increase the parcels of land not allowed to be logged, more and more logging is done on small-parcels of private land. Selective cuts to eliminate disease and thinning to prevent wildfires are the only logging activities allowed on most Federal Lands. Smaller diameter trees have begun to look more appealing, and the engineered wood products made from these trees have gained market share. The founder of the company began working on a small log skidder to try and help loggers cope with changes in the logging industry. Forest Robots has created a vehicle that will enable loggers to harvest small and environmentally sensitive tracts of land in a cost-effective manner. The vehicle has a winch and blade and, although small, is robust and suitable for work in the forests of the northwest. The Logg Dogg can move between trees and because it is radio-controlled it is safer than other small equipment. The vehicle can be towed behind a pickup and its diesel engine is powerful and reliable.
