Protecting Europe’s forests with AI and data management

Spotted: If forests are managed sustainably, they can be an invaluable asset in the fight against climate change. Earlier this year the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) published a report outlining how wood-based innovations and sustainable forest use can help to tackle the climate crisis and achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Timbeter, an Estonian startup, is on a mission to make forestry sustainable ‘one log at a time’. By doing so, it is helping to ensure that forests deliver the potential outlined in the report.  

The startup specialises in timber measurement and data management, using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning technologies to provide greater accuracy in its services. The technology makes it possible to quickly measure log diameters, log count, and log pile density through a smartphone, providing a valuable resource for companies who need to have greater oversight of their forestry data. It could also be used by forestry professionals to track the health of trees and prevent illegal logging.

In a recent study conducted by Poznan University, Timbeter was found to be 95 per cent accurate in its timber measurements. This high level of accuracy is made possible by machine learning technologies that allow Timbeter to constantly refine and improve its algorithms. 

Earlier this month, the startup announced that it has raised €500,000 in funding. The round was led by Future Investment Initiative (FII) Institute, a non-profit organisation run by Saudi Arabia’s main sovereign wealth fund. The company plans to use the funding to continue developing its technology and expanding its team. In addition, Timbeter hopes to raise awareness of the importance of forests and the need to protect them.

Other sustainable forestry innovations, spotted by Springwise, include a network of intelligent sensors helping emergency response teams respond to climate change impacts, and digital ‘smart forest’ technology that helps with forest management and research. 

Written By: Katrina Lane