Abstract: The log debarking assembly comprises an auto-aligning ring debarker that in turn comprises a base, a movable frame carried by the base and movable relative to the base, a log opening formed in the movable frame, a ring-type cutting tool mounted to the movable frame and protruding in the log opening, the cutting tool for debarking logs that are fed through the log opening, and a powered debarker actuator assembly capable of selectively moving the movable frame relative to the base. The log debarking assembly also comprises a log shape and position detector comprising a scanner located upstream of the debarker for detecting the shape and position of logs at the location of the scanner and for generating log data as a result of detected log shape and position at the location of the scanner; and a control device capable of receiving the log data and of controlling the powered debarker actuator assembly as a result of the log data.