REGENBOT Operational Group: Robotization in the regeneration of nature

R1 – Definition of the post-fire planting technique: The project will identify and validate the most suitable planting technique for restoring areas affected by forest fires. To this end, trials will be conducted in pilot plots using different tree species and planting methods, comparatively evaluating their survival, adaptation, and performance in degraded soils. The results obtained will allow for the selection of the most efficient, resilient, and least invasive planting system, also facilitating its future mechanization using the REGENBOT robot.

For forestry companies and land managers, this knowledge will facilitate the application of more effective reforestation techniques adapted to post-fire scenarios, reducing establishment failures and increasing plant survival rates. This will translate into lower replacement and maintenance costs, greater efficiency in restoration efforts, and a faster and more sustainable recovery of forest ecosystems affected by fires.

R2 – Robot design and manufacturing: This project will develop a forestry robot specifically designed for restoration work in fire-affected areas. This robot will feature hydraulic and electrical systems adapted to complex terrain, steep slopes, and degraded soils. It will be able to navigate areas where conventional machinery struggles to operate, reducing the impact on the soil and increasing work safety.

For forestry companies and public managers, this technology will allow for the mechanization of tasks currently performed manually or with heavy machinery, reducing operating costs and working time. Furthermore, it will facilitate intervention in hard-to-reach areas, expanding the possibilities for restoring areas that are not currently reforested due to technical or economic limitations.

R3 – Development of the map viewer: A mapping tool (viewer) will be developed to allow for more efficient planning of forest restoration work after fires. This viewer will integrate information on fire severity, natural regeneration, terrain characteristics, and priority areas for action. With this information, forest managers will be able to identify where intervention is truly necessary and where natural regeneration may be sufficient.

For companies and public administrations responsible for restoration, this tool will optimize work planning, reduce unnecessary interventions, and improve resource efficiency. Furthermore, it will facilitate on-site decision-making and the planning of work routes for machinery, reducing costs and minimizing environmental impacts.

R4 – Planter Design and Manufacturing: The project will develop a planting system specifically designed for integration with the REGENBOT robot. This planter will allow for the precise planting of trees, adapted to the terrain conditions, reducing soil disturbance and facilitating the correct placement of the seedlings. The system will be designed taking into account the results obtained in the planting trials carried out during the project.

For end users, this development will increase the efficiency of planting operations, improve tree survival rates, and reduce labor times. Furthermore, it will facilitate the mechanization of tasks that currently require significant physical effort, contributing to the modernization of forest restoration operations.

R5 – REGENBOT System Integration: Once the robot and planting system are developed, the project will integrate all components into a single functional system: REGENBOT. This integration will create a machine capable of efficiently navigating complex forest terrain and performing planting tasks automatically. The system will combine mobility, planting precision, and digital tools to support planning.

For end users, REGENBOT will represent a new tool for forest restoration, enabling faster, safer, and more efficient work. The system's integration will facilitate planting in areas where manual labor is currently costly or difficult, improving the capacity for intervention after large fires.

R6 – Field Validation of the Robot: The REGENBOT system will be validated under real-world conditions in areas affected by forest fires, evaluating its operational performance, its ability to work on complex terrain, and the effectiveness of the planting system. During these tests, key indicators such as plant survival, soil impact, and the efficiency of the work compared to traditional methods will be analyzed. This evaluation will demonstrate the technology's potential to improve post-fire restoration processes.

For forest managers and companies in the sector, the results will provide practical information on the performance, costs, and benefits of using robotic systems in reforestation. Field validation will demonstrate how this technology can increase work productivity, reduce impacts on vulnerable soils, and facilitate the restoration of hard-to-reach areas after large fires.

R7 – Comparative evaluation of systems: The project will evaluate the effectiveness of REGENBOT by comparing its results with traditional planting methods. Indicators such as plant survival, soil impact, and operational efficiency will be analyzed. This evaluation will determine the extent to which the use of robotic technology improves forest restoration outcomes.

For end users, this information will be key to deciding when and how to implement this type of technology. The results will demonstrate whether robotics-based mechanization can increase productivity, reduce operating costs, and improve the sustainability of post-fire restoration efforts.

R8 – Dissemination of the results of the first period: During the first period of the project, dissemination activities will be carried out targeting forestry companies, public managers, and other stakeholders in the sector to publicize the progress of the REGENBOT project. These activities will include the presentation of the initial results obtained in the planting trials, the development of the robot, and the mapping tools that support planning. Dissemination will be carried out through technical workshops, informational materials, and digital channels to facilitate access to the information generated.

For forestry professionals, these initiatives will provide an opportunity to learn about new technological solutions for improving the restoration of fire-affected areas. Furthermore, they will foster knowledge exchange among professionals and other stakeholders in the sector.

R9 – Dissemination of the results of the second period: In the second period of the project, transfer activities will be intensified to disseminate the final results obtained with the REGENBOT system after its field validation. These actions will include the presentation of technical results, demonstrations of the prototype's operation, and the dissemination of practical recommendations for its application in forest restoration work. Information will be shared through workshops, publications, technical materials, and digital platforms targeting forestry companies, land managers, and public administrations.

For end users, this dissemination will allow them to learn about the potential of robotics and digital tools to improve the efficiency of post-fire reforestation operations, reduce operating costs and facilitate the restoration of hard-to-reach areas, contributing to more innovative and sustainable forest management.