Smarter Wood, Brighter Future: Transformation of Raute AI (Analyzer Intelligence)

AI meets Analyzer: Janne Pirinen shares insights on how our intelligent analyzing systems are reshaping traditional wood processing techniques.

At Raute, this exciting intersection of technology and tradition is revolutionizing the industry. Our smart system are empowering our customers to make the most of their raw materials in veneer, plywood and LVL production, enhancing decision-making at critical moments in the manufacturing process. 

To give you an insider's view of this fascinating world, we sat down for a chat with Janne Pirinen, who has been part of the Raute family for 24 years. Janne's journey from getting his hands dirty in the field to becoming our AI product manager is a window into how our industry is evolving. 

So, grab a cup of coffee and join us as Janne shares his insights on how smart analyzer technology is reshaping wood processing, blending time-honored traditions with innovation. Trust us, it is more exciting than you might think! 

From Field to AI: Janne's Journey 

Imagine spending most of your year living out of a suitcase, hopping from one customer mill to another across the globe. That was Janne's life when he joined the Raute family back in 2000. 

"For years, I was on the road 200 days annually, installing and servicing systems worldwide," Janne recalls. This hands-on experience proved invaluable. "In the field, you see firsthand what our customers need. It's not just about technology, but how it fits into their daily operations." 

In 2018, Janne transitioned to an office role, and by 2020, he was deeply involved in our AI projects. Today, as the product manager for our AI-powered analyzers, Janne brings his wealth of field experience to guide our innovative developments. 

Raute Analyzer: Visual, Moisture, and Strength 

So, what makes Raute's analyzers so special? It is all about teamwork - machine vision, moisture detection, and strength analysis working in perfect harmony. "Machine vision spots the knots and splits, moisture detection tells us how wet the wood is, and strength analysis predicts how well each piece will perform," Janne explains. "Put it all together, and you've got a super-accurate way to grade each piece of veneer." 

The real value comes from processing all this information together. "By using all these data points, we can make better decisions about how to use each piece of veneer," Janne says. "It's as if we have a highly skilled wood expert examining every sheet, but much faster and more consistently." 

From Concept to Reality: our AI Journey 

Our path to implementing AI in wood processing was not always smooth sailing. The team faced numerous challenges, but our innovative approach to AI development proved to be a notable change. Janne provides insight into our strategy: 

"We use readily developed AI frameworks, which we then train to create our specialized models." Instead of building AI systems from scratch, we leveraged existing AI frameworks, focusing on training them with deep industry knowledge. This approach allowed us to progress rapidly: 

2022: Proof of concept demonstrates real-time AI performance 

2023: AI integration into the visual analyzer begins field testing 

2024: The system goes live, impressing customers with its capabilities 

The AI models have significantly improved the analysis process. "Our trained AI models can spot defects and grade veneer with high accuracy and consistency at production speeds," Janne explains. This capability is important for maintaining efficiency in wood processing operations. 

The implementation of AI has expanded the possibilities in wood processing. Janne notes, "We're enabling our customers to optimize their production in new ways." This approach combines AI technology with wood processing expertise to address specific industry challenges. 

The Human Touch in a World of AI 

With all this talk of AI and automation, you might wonder how it changes the role of human expertise in wood processing. Janne highlights a major shift in how they approach new installations: 

"Before, we'd spend the first week just configuring our system to spot defects correctly. Now, with AI, we can jump straight into fine-tuning the customer's production process." 

This means less downtime, faster results for customers, and more time to focus on the big picture. Janne paints a picture of how this changes the entire customer experience: 

"Imagine you're a mill operator. Instead of constantly adjusting with settings and worrying about whether the machine is seeing defects correctly, you can focus on optimizing your production flow. It's a complete paradigm shift." 

This shift has ripple effects throughout the entire production process. "When you're not constantly firefighting small issues, you can start thinking bigger," Janne explains. "Our customers are finding new ways to optimize their operations that they never had time to consider before." 

Janne emphasizes that AI is a tool that enhances rather than replaces human capabilities. "AI will bring us that level of certainty that it will see defects correctly always, every time from the get-go," he says. This reliability allows operators to focus on higher-level challenges. 

The constructive collaboration between human expertise and AI is opening new possibilities. As Janne notes, "Our customers give us huge ideas during our discussions. They might say, 'Hey, we've noticed this kind of thing correlates with that.' Maybe we can learn from those discussions and improve our system further." 

The Road Ahead  

Janne sees continuous improvement as crucial. "We're dealing with wood from all over the world, each with its own quirks. Our AI needs to be ready for anything," he says. Looking ahead, Janne envisions AI becoming as common as electricity in wood processing. "Soon, we won't even be talking about whether the AI can spot defects accurately. That will be a given. We'll be focused on how to use that capability to push production to the next level." 

As AI continues to evolve, Janne sees the wood processing industry entering a new era where efficiency meets sustainability, and human expertise is enhanced by artificial intelligence. "We're just scratching the surface of what's possible," he concludes optimistically. 

Beyond Work: Janne's Balanced Approach 

While Janne is passionate about technology, he knows the importance of balance. "I mean, of course you can't be focused on technology 24/7. So, you need something else," he explains. 

Janne's perfect escape is right at his doorstep. "I actually have a forest right there. I like to go there quite often, except for a walk about," he shares. This connection with nature offers a refreshing contrast to his tech-focused work life. 

His hobbies are not limited to forest walks, though. "During summertime, I play golf. In wintertime, snooker or pool... something to get my mind off things, just casual," Janne says. 

This glimpse into Janne's life shows us a man who values balance, enjoys nature, and finds ways to unwind. It is a refreshing reminder that even our AI guys are, at heart, very human. 

Janne's Advice for the Industry 

For companies considering AI implementation, Janne offers these key points: 

• "Don't wait too long, but remember, it's not a magic wand. You need dedication and a real understanding of your data." 

• "Start with clear goals. What do you want to achieve? Increased yield? Better quality control? More efficient energy use?" 

• "View AI implementation as an ongoing process. You need to be committed to continually feeding it data, analyzing results, and refining processes. It's a journey, not a destination." 

With experts like Janne leading the charge, the future of wood processing looks promising indeed. As we look to this AI-powered future, one thing is certain: the world of wood processing will never be the same again.