Södra and Nordic Forestry Automation AB (NFA) have signed a letter of intent to implement driver assistance technology for thinning operations conducted under Södra’s management. The system will also collect data on individual trees, providing valuable insights for future planning and analysis. Implementation and installations are set to begin in the second half of 2025, according to company statements.
NFA, an AI company specializing in forestry technology, develops next-generation driver assistance systems for forestry machinery, leveraging sensor technology from autonomous vehicles and AI algorithms. Södra became a shareholder in NFA through Södra Ädla in 2023 and has since actively supported and monitored the system's development.
“We need more innovation in forestry, and NFA clearly demonstrates that new technology can make a difference and provide value to forest management. A major advantage is the dual benefits: driver assistance for thinning and the data collected for future planning and decisions. This is a great example of Södra mobilizing to benefit forest owners,” says Magnus Petersson, Head of Forest Development at Södra.
NFA’s driver assistance system will be deployed in harvesters operating under Södra’s management. The goal is to commence installations in the latter half of 2025.
“Södra has been one of our key partners in developing our technology from the beginning. With valuable advice and clear requirements, they’ve helped us grow as a company. Reaching the point where we can announce a launch date for our first product is a significant milestone and proof that we are on track to realize our vision of helping machine operators do excellent work and create thriving forests,” says Lars Svensson, CEO of Nordic Forestry Automation.
The driver assistance system offers groundbreaking opportunities for local forest adaptation, simplifying correct forest management practices. It enhances growth and profitability while efficiently protecting valuable natural and cultural heritage areas. Thinning a forest requires constant decision-making about which and how many trees to harvest to optimize the forest’s various values. Currently, these decisions are often made manually and rely heavily on the operator’s experience. Image: Södra
The system includes cloud-based services that enable detailed data collection on each individual tree. This data is delivered to forest owners in reports that highlight harvested and retained trees, ensuring thinning work aligns with the local growth potential of the forest stand. The retained trees' positions are mapped with centimeter-level accuracy, providing increased transparency, quality assurance, and opportunities for alternative forest management methods.
“Our collaboration with NFA is a clear example of how Södra, through Södra Ädla, can accelerate the development and verification of technologies that directly benefit forest management and create value for forest owners. This is just the beginning, and we look forward to continuing to support the company in its development,” says Erik Madeyski Bengtson, Investment Manager at Södra Ädla.
