nWood Solution
Optical Inspection of Tree Logs
nWood Tree Log Inspection
The Wahtari tree log inspection solution nWood can analyze various parameters and quality characteristics directly in your production line simultaneously. In case of any deviation, certain signals can be send out (e.g. sorting log out) and operational parameters can be documented.
The system exceeds the visual control of a worker both in precision and efficiency as it inspects under industrial conditions, during ongoing production and around the clock. It is easy to use, Plug & Play and allows convenient one-man operation. Both analysis and evaluation are performed on-the-edge without cloud or Internet connection. This enables highest speed, maximum data security and lowest latencies.
nWood is available in different versions and can be adapted to your individual requirements.
Bark Detection
Areas of application
Artificial Intelligence as the Heart for the Automated Inspection of Tree Logs
Inspect Degree of Debarking
automatic classification into levels of debarking
Quality Classification
automated sorting out of unwanted wood characteristics, e.g. branchiness, bending, tapering, spiral growth, wood rot
Length Measurement
length estimation or
assignment to groups
Volume Measurement
volume estimation or
assignment to groups
Diameter Control
diameter estimation or assignment to groups
Advantages of the nWood Inspection
High Precision
clear identification even in difficult situations
Extreme Performant
recording and evaluation in real time
Easy Adjustment
adjustable to new product features
Edge Computing
no connection to a data center due to onboard detection
Seamless Integration
easy integration into your system (PLC)
Consistent Quality Inspection
thanks to consistently working system
Technical Highlights
Teach & Go
short training phase
Low Maintenance
no tools necessary
Production Speed
up to 120m/min belt speed
Rentable
short ROI
Adaptable LED Lighting
LED or IR
24/7 Continuous Operation
> 99,5% availability
IP67 Protected Camera Housing
measurement of wet media/ easy cleaning
Process Reliable
insensitive to industrial influences, e.g. waterdrops or dust particles
100% Control
for highest quality requirements
Few System Components
Functionality of the nWood Solution Based on the Example of Debarking
Problem
For further processing, the bark of logs must be removed since bark does not consist of the same fibrous material typical for wood. Process-related, the bark is not removed completely when passing through the decortication drum for the first time. Therefore, most logs need to undergo a second, visual inspection by a worker subsequent to the first decortation process.
This labor-intensive and physically demanding process, in which employees have to remove only partial decorticated logs manually, can be automated by the intelligent camera system by Wahtari.
Easy Integration Into Existing System Concept
The smart camera can be installed on existing infrastructure, own masts or walls thanks to its integrated mounting bracket. Once installed, the camera needs to be adjusted, e.g. for viewing angle, zoom and focus.
The uncomplicated commissioning requires only little technical Know-how. Numerous interfaces and industrial standards, such as OPC UA, Profibus and Profinet, allow an easy integration into existing system concepts while ensuring the lowest possible latencies. Signals, e.g. for the control of locks, can be send directly via an analog signal.
Strong Hardware Platform
Industrial IO
nWood Solution by Wahtari
Wahtari’s AI-based camera system offers a fully automated, complete solution for optical inspection. With a detection accuracy of over 98%, Wahtari nWood reliably identifies even small bark remnants during operation and sends signals to your system control in real time. A controllable lock diverts defective logs to another pass through the debarking drum.
The intelligent camera is suitable for indoor and outdoor operation and can withstand temperatures between -20° and +50° Celsius. At belt speed up to 200m/min, nWood records parameters such as debarking degree, size, contours, length and diameter of logs and piles simultaneously. Individual logs can be distinguished. Weather-related wood discoloration does not affect the detection.
The technology is based on deep neural networks, which are trained project-specifically for the recognition of the residual bark content by using image recordings of the processed logs. Once the desired recognition rate is achieved, no further training is required.
The artificial intelligence runs “on-the-edge” on site without internet or cloud connection – for the highest speeds, lowest latencies and greatest possible data security.
nWood in Your Company
