Oxford Deploys New Robot in Fight for Forest Health

OXFORD, UK – December 5, 2025 – Researchers from the University of Oxford have unveiled a high-tech solution for sustainable forestry: a four-legged “robot dog” equipped with advanced mapping technology. As part of the pan-European , this autonomous system is creating precise 3D maps of woodlands to combat the threats of overexploitation and climate change.

Developed by the Oxford Robotics Institute and Swiss company ANYbotics, the robot, named ANYmal, navigates challenging forest terrain with ease. Its four-legged design allows it to step over leaves and uneven ground that would impede traditional wheeled robots.

The core of its operation lies in its sophisticated sensor array. “The sensors that we use are laser sensors, the same kind of sensor that’s used in self-driving cars,” explained Maurice Fallon, a research lead for the project. These LiDAR sensors measure distances to create detailed, tree-by-tree 3D models.

Data-Driven Conservation

The data gathered provides forest managers with vital intelligence far more efficiently than manual methods:

• Speed and Efficiency: The robotic system can monitor forests up to seven times faster than human crews.
• Precision Mapping: Researchers can accurately measure tree trunk diameters, biomass, and overall density, creating a comprehensive database of the forest’s contents.
• Informed Interventions: The 3D maps guide foresters in making sustainable management decisions, such as selective thinning to protect the wider forest from wind damage or disease.

Challenges and Future Outlook

While the technology offers immense potential, the team faces the challenge of encouraging the wider forestry community to adopt these innovative methods. The project is funded by the EU’s Horizon Europe research program, which supports alternatives to environmentally damaging practices like clear felling.

By transforming forestry management with data-driven insights, researchers hope this “robo-dog” will become an essential tool in ensuring the long-term health and sustainability of Europe’s vital forest ecosystems.