Technology development, in terms of both capability and cost-effective integration, is moving at a fast pace. While advanced robotic systems are already commonplace in controlled workspaces such as factories, the use of remote controlled or autonomous machines in more complex environments, such as for forest operations, is in its infancy. There is little doubt autonomous machinery will play an important role in forest operations in the future. Many machine functions already have the support of automation, and the implementation of remote control of the machine where an operator can operate a piece of equipment, typically in clear line-of sight, at least is commonly available. Teleoperation is where the operator works from a virtual environment with live video and audio feedback from the machine. Since teleoperation provides a similar operator experience to working in the machine, it is relatively easy for an operator to use teleoperation. Autonomous systems are defined by being able to perform certain functions without direct control of a human operator. This paper presents opportunities for remote control, teleoperated machines in forest operations and presents examples of existing developments and ideas from both forestry and other industries. It identified the extraction phase of harvesting as the most logical placement of autonomous machines in the near-term. The authors recognise that, as with all emerging technologies and sectors, there is ample scope for differences in opinions as to what will be commercially successful in the future.

No abstract

No abstract

In order to design equipment for improved processing of melon (Citrullus colocynthis L.) seed and kernel, some of the engineering properties need to be determined as a function of moisture content. The geometric (axial dimensions, mean diameters), gravimetric (bulk and true densities, 1,000 seed and kernel weight, and porosity) and frictional (angle of repose and static coefficient of friction) properties of melon seed and kernel in the moisture content range of 2.8-25% (d.b.) and 1.1-23% (d.b.), respectively, were investigated. The objectives of the study were to determine the effect of moisture on some moisture-dependent physical properties of melon seed and kernel, and to develop regression models for each of the properties investigated. The effect of moisture content was significant (p < 0.05) on all the physical properties investigated. The regression models developed all had high coefficient of determination, R 2 except for the sphericity and porosity of the melon seed with an R 2 of 0.3943 and 0.6570, respectively, and also, the porosity of the melon kernel with an R 2 of 0.5110. At all moisture content levels, plywood had the highest friction coefficient for the melon seed and kernel.The authors are dedicated to conducting innovative and cutting-edge research in two broad research themes: (1) biomass energy and (2) agricultural product processing. These research themes entail biomaterial handling and processing, conversion of biomass feedstocks into fuels and bio-based products, agro-products processing for food and biofuels, and post-harvest handling of agro-products. The activities of the group range from theoretical investigations to experimental research and field tests as well as demonstration programmes and consultation services. The study on the moisture-dependent physical properties of melon (Citrullus colocynthis L.) seed and kernel relevant in bulk handling is one of the series of studies on melon fruit aimed at promoting and optimizing its industrial processing. Although, melon (Citrullus colocynthis L.) presents large-scale potential, it is still presently processed manually and at micro scale. The manual and micro-scale processing of the melon has been observed to impact negatively on the quality properties of the melon kernel which has necessitated the need for this study. PUBLIC INTEREST STATEMENTMelon (Citrullus colocynthis L.) popularly referred to as "egusi" is one of the important oil-seed crops widely grown and consumed in tropical Africa. Melon is mainly grown for its kernel which could be eaten individually as snack when roasted and used extensively for cooking purposes, either as a soup additive or as cooking oil source. The physical and mechanical properties of seeds depend on their moisture content, and are important in the design of planting, harvesting, handling, transportation, storing, drying and processing equipment. This study investigated some moisture-dependent physical properties of melon seed and its kernel in the moisture content range of 2.8-25 % (d.b) and 1.1-23 % (d....

No abstract