Tele-operated Forestry Operations with Merritt Jenkins

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Kodama

Today, 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 Outro

Founding Director and Host: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLink

Producer and Editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted Creatives

Nature by MaxKoMusic/Soundcloud

Sopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/Soundcloud

Ambient Documentary by Sound Guru (Pixabay)

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