The aim of SmaSiKaFE (Smart and Safe Calamity Logging) is to make the harvesting of damaged trees safer, more ecological, and more economical through comprehensive digital support.
The project focuses on motor-manual harvesting in calamity-affected forest areas, where traditional mechanized solutions are often not viable. At its core is the concept of the Smart Forest Worker—a digitally supported forestry professional equipped with tools like a mobile app to assess risks and select the safest and most effective felling method.
To enable this, the project combines terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) and photo-optical methods to collect detailed data on damaged forest areas. These data are analyzed on a single-tree basis to provide recommendations for safe felling techniques—such as winch-assisted or wedge-supported cutting—as well as for optimal log bucking strategies. A digital tool supports forest workers in making sorting decisions directly on site, aiming to maximize wood value while ensuring safety and efficiency.
SmaSiKaFE delivers a prototype solution for safe and efficient motor-manual harvesting, tailored also for smaller forest owners and dispersed damage events such as bark beetle nests.
The project is led by RIF e.V., in collaboration with RWTH Aachen University, Forstliches Bildungszentrum (FBZ NRW), Scientes Mondium UG, palos DE GmbH and iFOS GmbH. The Social Insurance for Agriculture, Forestry and Horticulture (SVLFG) is an associated partner.
SmaSiKaFE is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) through the Fachagentur für Nachwachsende Rohstoffe (FNR) (project code: 2224NR113 A-F). The project runs from December 2024 to November 2027.
