When sawmills can see inside the wood – how production is being reshaped

As raw material prices rise and margins tighten, every decision in production matters. In today’s sawmills, that shift is driving a move from experience based judgement to data driven optimization, powered by CT scanning, X ray and AI. At Wood Products & Technology 2026, this transformation is one of the most dynamic areas to explore.

Traditionally, sawmills have relied on what can be seen from the outside. Logs have been sorted based on dimensions and assumptions about what lies within.

– It is like having a sausage, but you do not know what is inside. You see the shape, but you do not know if it is a kabanoss or a salsiccia, says Jens Flodin, Production Optimizer at Norra Timber.

In large scale operations, where millions of logs are processed every year, even small decisions have a major impact on the final result. That is where new technology is making a real difference.

From guesswork to full visibility

With CT scanning, sawmills can now analyze the internal structure of each log before it is processed. As logs move through the sorting line, they pass through a rotating scanner where X ray measures variations in density. The result is a detailed three dimensional model of the wood.

– Every new log that appears is already measured. We get a complete 3D reconstruction where we can see internal properties such as knots, cracks and variations in density, says Jens Flodin.

This data feeds directly into production decisions. For each log, multiple cutting options are simulated to determine the most valuable outcome.

– We test a large number of different cutting patterns for each log and select the one that gives the best result, says Jens Flodin.

When data starts to understand the material

The technology is developed by companies like Microtec, combining advanced measurement with intelligent analysis. AI is a key part of that equation.

– The combination of CT and AI makes it possible to predict the outcome in the sawmill with much higher precision than before. We can use the three dimensional data to understand how the material actually behaves throughout the entire process, says Philipp Bock, CTO at Microtec.

Wood presents a unique challenge. Unlike many industrial materials, every log is different.

– It is about combining sensor data with AI in a way that allows us to identify patterns in a material that is not standardized. That is when we can truly start predicting the outcome, says Philipp Bock.

As more data is collected and shared across systems, performance continues to improve.

– AI can only be as good as the data it is trained on. That is why the connection to real production outcomes is crucial for achieving accuracy, says Philipp Bock.

– One scanner can, in practice, teach another scanner. This allows us to improve precision across the entire system, not just at a single point, says Philipp Bock.

More value from every log

For sawmills, this marks a clear shift in how raw material is used. Instead of working with safety margins, production can be optimized with far greater precision.

– We can use a smaller log to produce a product that is actually slightly better than before, says Jens Flodin.

The result is improved profitability and better use of resources.

– You do not need to use more timber to make money, you can use the timber you already have in a smarter way, he says.

At the same time, the role of people in production is evolving.

– Previously, people carried out most of the interpretation. Now their role is increasingly to monitor and adjust the systems, says Philipp Bock.

Experience the technology at Wood Products & Technology

For anyone looking to understand how this shift is playing out in practice, Wood Products & Technology 2026 offers a clear entry point. The event brings together the full value chain, from production to innovation, to explore how new technologies are shaping the future of the wood industry. Among the exhibitors, Microtec will showcase its latest solutions in scanning and optimization.

About Wood Products & Technology

Wood Products & Technology is the Nordic region’s largest meeting place for the wood industry. Here, the entire value chain gathers — from sawmills and production to architecture and urban development — to share knowledge, discover new technology and do business. The focus is on innovation, sustainability and the future of wood construction. Register for your free entry ticket »