Tele-operated Forestry Operations with Merritt Jenkins

The ForestLink newsletter signupKodamaToday, I’m joined by Merritt Jenkins, CEO and Co-founder of Kodama Systems. In this conversation, Merritt explains how Kodama is using tele-operation and automation to run forestry equipment remotely, starting with skidders in the southeastern US. We discuss the technology behind the system, including Starlink connectivity, real-time video feeds, LiDAR, GPS, and onboard computing, and what it takes to make that technology reliable in tough forest conditions. Merritt also shares how remote skidding can help address some of the industry’s biggest challenges, from operator shortages and long commutes to physical strain and safety risk. We also explore the practical questions logging contractors ask around productivity, terrain, maintenance, and cost, before looking at what’s next for Kodama as the company expands into new regions and machine types.“It's very challenging for logging business owners to find skidder operators. Whether you're in BC or the Florida panhandle, it's really the same theme—the industry is aging out, and the younger generation just isn’t as motivated to do this type of work.”0:19 Meet Merritt Jenkins of Kodama Systems 0:28 Favorite tree: Southern yellow pine 0:53 Merritt’s background and Kodama origins 1:26 What Kodama does: remote skidding 2:28 Technology stack: Starlink, cameras, LiDAR, GPS 4:17 Ruggedising hardware for forestry conditions 5:17 Compatible skidders and OEM integration 7:43 Addressing the forestry labour shortage 10:23 PS5 controllers for machine operation 11:15 Remote site awareness and mapping 13:55 Key industry pain points solved 15:00 Logger concerns: costs and operations 16:08 Remote operation across locations and time zones 18:11 Cameras, visibility, and maintenance 20:35 Terrain handling and machine feedback 23:02 Business model and day rates 25:48 Ideal operating environments 26:51 Logger reactions and adoption 29:14 Collaboration with logging crews 30:26 Kodama team and skill sets 32:00 Lessons learned in the field 33:15 Future plans and expansion 34:07 Safety systems and fail-safes 35:35 Where to learn more 36:05 OutroFounding Director and Host: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLinkProducer and Editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted CreativesNature by MaxKoMusic/SoundcloudSopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/SoundcloudAmbient Documentary by Sound Guru (Pixabay)Sign up now for the ForestLink’s newsletter, where you’ll receive technical advice, reflections, and best-practice guidance to support you with your forest-linked investment strategy or business straight to your inbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.