Autonomous Robotic Forest Rover for Automated Resin Collection

Provided are robotic systems and methods for identifying a particular type of tree or plant (e.g., slash pine trees), for tapping them and collect their oleoresin for processing using an autonomous, long-range robotic forest rover. One aspect of the system comprises an autonomous vehicle equipped with an industrial robot, automated tool changer, a plurality of tools required for robotic operations, vision and navigation systems and powertrain for long-range operation. The rover identifies healthy, mature trees or plants, approaches them and performs the robotic operations required for tapping the trees or plants. In addition to these tasks, the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) coordinates of the tree or plant is recorded along with its diameter, and a digital image of the tree or plant. This information is communicated to a base station for creating and updating a tree farm database.