The physical and digital worlds of production and internal logistics meet in a multidisciplinary TwinFlow project

Digital transformation is the cornerstone of future industry. The Finnish manufacturing industry will benefit as Internet of Things (IoT) technologies evolve  and become integrated into key production and internal logistics processes. In the TwinFlow project, the consortium formed by Aalto University, the University of Tampere and several companies aims to develop data-driven business models.

'Everything is based on data and its use across both responsibility and organisational boundaries. The project’s objective is to find solutions and define a concept based on data economy principles by integrating industrial IT systems with operational systems,' says Project Coordinator Jari Juhanko from Aalto University.

The project aims to enhance situational awareness as products, materials and people move within production facilities. Traditionally, the associated data and information have not flowed between different departments and processes, and different IT solutions do not work together. The project aims to develop a scalable, standardized method for integrating processes and assets.

'This requires a data architecture that enables interoperability. Sharing data requires a unified governance model in which aspects such as data access rights and the revenue model are clearly defined.'

From Aalto University, the project involves many different research groups from the fields of technology, business and human research.

'The industrial internet campus in Otaniemi enables multidisciplinary research, education and innovations. In particular, this project combines extensively the competence our university has in different areas of technology and economy. The data economy requires collaboration across the boundaries of research,' Juhanko adds.

Collaboration benefits everyone

Industrial information, automation and production control systems have, and will continue to have, an increasing number of technical interfaces. One key element of the project is IoT, which allows external data sources, such as indoor positioning or machine vision systems, to be integrated into the overall system. The enhanced situational awareness enables more cost-effective control of capital goods and material flows, while also improving product quality and occupational safety.

'I’m confident this is a crucial element for many companies, as every outcome and solution from the project can be tested in practical demos in collaboration with them. We believe we will discover both technical and administrative solutions for advancing data-driven business. This allows us to provide significant added value to our consortium partners,' says Juhanko.

'For Konecranes, this was a long-awaited decision, as we started preparing the project already at the application phase of our Zero4 project. We see the TwinFlow project as one of the key enablers for the shared material flow platform. I’m very excited that we can now start working with our partners,' says Henri Helkiö, Material Handling Research Manager, Konecranes.

'Enhancing industrial environments and reducing the cognitive and physical burden on employees enabled by automation and digitalisation are at the core of Vaisto’s technological strategy. Being part of the TwinFlow consortium strengthens our company’s ability to leverage data economy and AI technologies to improve internal logistics. We believe that participating in this project will also strengthen our competitiveness in the EU export market,' says Sami Dahlman, Technology Futurist, Vaisto Solutions Oy.

TwinFlow is a research consortium funded by Business Finland. In addition to Aalto University and the University of Tampere, its members include Konecranes, Ponsse, Fastems, Mitsubishi Logisnext Finland, Finn-Power, Vaski Group, Vaisto Solutions, Eviden Finland, Noccela and 1001 Lakes. The consortium aims to define a fair data economy operating model that can be integrated into the company information systems and various IoT systems, and applied to standard, interoperable, and scalable solutions. Business Finland is funding the project with nearly EUR 10 million, with Aalto University’s share exceeding EUR 3 million.