Stora Enso the first in forest industry to use AR and 5G in mill maintenance

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Stora Enso has been developing augmented reality (AR) and 5G technology solutions together with Telia. The utilisation of augmented reality was first tested at Stora Enso’s Oulu mill where real time information is being used in mill maintenance.

The application of augmented reality and virtual models will in the future enable the more rapid use of, for example, maintenance information at Stora Enso mills. Using a virtual model of a machine and real-time data concerning information points, can improve the operational reliability of the mills.

‘Stora Enso has an extensive digitalisation programme, which aims to increase sales and boost our operations on our journey to replace fossil based materials. Through our digitalisation programme, we have become pioneers in our industry in the utilisation of new technology,’ said Teemu Salmi, Stora Enso’s CIO and head of digitalisation.

Through the new technology, all necessary information is easily and visually at the disposal of experts in real time, regardless of physical location. The nearing introduction of fast 5G technology together with AR and VR technology and 360° views will enable real time and rapid utilisation by experts between different units, irrespective of geographical distance.

‘With our pilots in Oulu, we have explored the area where IoT (Internet of Things) and 5G solutions will most likely produce the first breakthroughs in introducing new, more effective processes. Solutions based on the collection, transfer and analysis of real-time data are the key to renewing industrial processes,’ said Janne Koistinen, head of 5G programme at Telia Finland.