Product introduced for pilot to tackle labor shortages and reduce operational costs for loggers.
Sonora, California, October 3, 2024 – Kodama Systems (Kodama), an innovator in forest management and wildfire mitigation technology, has announced the launch of its cutting-edge machine teleoperation platform, Kodama AutopilotTM, at the American Loggers Council conference. This debut took place at the Mother Lode Fairgrounds in front of a national audience of loggers and other forestry industry professionals, showcasing a significant step forward in logging efficiency and safety.
During the demonstration, a machine operator controlled a log skidder from hundreds of miles away via satellite. The Kodama team also showcased its Autopilot hardware on a 2024 Weiler S340 wheel skidder. The S340 is a versatile, mid-size skidder well-suited to tackle the varied terrain that loggers encounter and is easily tailored to individual customers through factory options.
This exhibit was made possible through a strategic collaboration with Weiler Forestry, a leading equipment manufacturer based in LaGrange, GA. Weiler builds purpose-built forestry machines that increase productivity and reduce operating costs. “We are excited to collaborate with Kodama and see our machine used for introducing this new and pioneering technology to the forest industry,” said Pat Weiler, owner and founder of Weiler Forestry. “Weiler’s history is full of engineering innovation based on customer input. Loggers are looking for safer, more productive equipment.”
“Weiler Forestry’s collaboration has empowered us to bring a game-changing product to the industry,” said Merritt Jenkins, CEO of Kodama. “Autopilot eliminates long commutes, improves operator safety, and reduces physical strain by enabling machines to be controlled off-site. We have been working with the logging community to develop this product over the past three years, and we’re thrilled to demonstrate our system on a national stage.”
The demonstration offered attendees a firsthand look at Kodama Autopilot, which is available for pilots in 2025. Autopilot enables business owners to run double work shifts and opens new employment opportunities for the next generation of loggers. Kodama plans to also introduce autonomous capabilities later in the year.
For more information about Kodama or to inquire about a pilot, please visit http://www.kodama.ai or contact sales@kodama.ai.
For more information and to find your nearest Weiler Forestry dealer, visit https://www.weilerforestry.com/.
Contacts
James Sedlak, Communications Manager, Kodama Systems
415-985-4597
Jared Dunn, Sales Manager, Weiler Forestry
706-443-7400
0 Comments