J. For. Sci., 2025, 71(11):525-541 | DOI: 10.17221/65/2025-JFS

A review of research on hybrid unmanned vehicles in complex forest and grassland terrainsReview

Peng Wang ORCID...1,2, Kangkang Pan1, Jun Yuan1, Sipu Pan ORCID...1,2, Yujin Yang1
1 College of Transportation Engineering, Nanjing University of Industry Technology, Nanjing, China
2 College of Mechanical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China

The sustainable management of European forest ecosystems necessitates innovative mechanisation solutions to address operational challenges in hilly, mountainous, and ecologically sensitive terrains. Hybrid-drive unmanned vehicles (HDUVs) present a transformative potential by integrating fuel-electric powertrains with autonomous navigation systems, enabling energy-efficient operations with minimal environmental impact. This review synthesises and critically analyses advancements in three critical domains: (i) dynamic modelling and chassis design for enhanced terrain adaptability, (ii) hybrid powertrain optimisation for reduced emissions and extended operational range, and (iii) the integration of unmanned systems for precision forestry tasks. By examining multi-body dynamics, power management strategies, and AI-driven navigation algorithms, we elucidate the role of HDUVs in improving operational efficiency while mitigating soil disturbance and carbon footprint. The review identifies prevailing research gaps and suggests that future work should prioritise the development of standardised testing protocols and foster cross-disciplinary collaboration to align HDUV development with EU biodiversity and climate objectives.

Keywords: hybrid-drive systems; precision forestry; sustainable forest management; unmanned ground vehicles

Received: August 20, 2025; Revised: October 22, 2025; Accepted: November 4, 2025; Prepublished online: November 27, 2025; Published: November 28, 2025  Show citation

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Wang P, Pan K, Yuan J, Pan S, Yang Y. A review of research on hybrid unmanned vehicles in complex forest and grassland terrains. J. For. Sci. 2025;71(11):525-541. doi: 10.17221/65/2025-JFS.
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