Tech Briefs Magazine - December 2023 - MD-10

Remote Robot Automates Amazon
Reforestation Project
A
pilot project between ABB
Robotics and US non-profit organization
Junglekeepers demonstrated
the role cloud technology can play
in making reforestation faster, more
efficient, and scalable. The project
was implemented from May-June 2023
using ABB's cobot operated remotely
with cloud technology.
ABB Robotics
supported Junglekeepers
in their mission to protect
55,000 acres of Amazon rainforest and
reverse deforestation. In a first-of-itskind
demonstration, ABB's cobot YuMi
automated planting tasks in a jungle
laboratory, speeding the process, and
allowing Junglekeepers' volunteers to
focus their valuable time and resources
on more impactful work.
Through ABB RobotStudio Cloud
technology, ABB experts simulated,
refined, and deployed the programming
required for YuMi's tasks in the
jungle from 12,000 kms (7,460 miles)
away Västerås, Sweden - enabling a
remote robot.
" ABB's collaboration with Junglekeepers
demonstrates how robotics and
Cloud technology can play a central
role in fighting deforestation as one
of the major contributors to climate
change, " said Sami Atiya, President of
ABB Robotics and Discrete Automation.
" Our pilot program with the world's
most remote robot is helping automate
highly repetitive tasks, freeing up rangers
to undertake more important work out
in the rainforest and helping them to
conserve the land they live on. "
In a jungle lab, located in a remote
region of the Peruvian Amazon, a YuMi
cobot was installed to automate essential
tasks in the seed planting process, usually
an entirely manual effort. The cobot
digs a hole in the soil, drops the seed
in, compacts the soil on top and marks
it with a color-coded tag. YuMi enabled
Junglekeepers to replant an area the size
of two soccer fields every day in zones
requiring reforestation.
At the same time, by automating this
task, Junglekeepers' volunteers were able
to focus their valuable time and resources
on more impactful work, such as patrolling
the area to deter illegal loggers, educating
locals on the preservation of the rainforest,
and planting mature saplings.
The highest number of bags filled
per day manually by the rangers before
automation was around 80 (as they have
many other tasks to do). With YuMi they
were able to fill 640 bags in 2.5 hours.
Creating a fully remote and autonomous
cobot installation also overcomes
the difficulty of finding people willing
to stay and work in the distant jungle
location. After its initial installation, YuMi
could carry out its tasks autonomously,
with only troubleshooting as needed.
" As of right now, we have lost 20 percent
of the total area of Amazon rainforest;
without using technology today, conserIn
a jungle lab, located in a remote region of the Peruvian Amazon, a YuMi cobot was installed to automate essential tasks in the seed-planting process, usually an
entirely manual effort. (Image: ABB Robotics)
10
Motion Design, December 2023

Tech Briefs Magazine - December 2023

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