Human factors play a crucial role in adopting mechanised planting

New Zealand’s forestry sector faces challenges in modernising silvicultural practices due to the need for mechanised solutions tailored to local terrain. Moreover, adopting these new technologies requires addressing training, ergonomics, workload management and decision-making challenges.

The planting workstream of Forest Growers Research’s (FGR) Precision Silviculture Programme (PSP) aims to support mechanised planting and extend the planting season by creating production-ready prototypes and tools.

Trials of the M-Planter, a mechanised planting machine, were undertaken in the Nelson/Marlborough region across different terrains in 2024. These aimed to assess the operational and human factors involved in transitioning from manual planting to mechanisation, focusing on training, safety, workload and onsite innovation.

Scion prepared a report on the trials for the PSP, which highlights the importance of considering human factors when designing innovations in the mechanised planting space. Researchers conducted reflective interviews, a focus group discussion and a site visit to capture the learnings and observations of those involved with the M-Planter trial.

The trials captured the relationship between worker and machine, highlighting the importance of human-centric considerations in mechanisation.

The report’s findings showed that iterative prototyping allowed real-time problem-solving, minimised downtime and improved machine functionality. While utilising contractor, engineering and operator knowledge ensured “adaptive innovation” as well as improved functionality of the machines being trialled.