Neural Grader Launches Compact Linear Scanner: AI Scanner That Fits Where Others Can’t

Neural Grader, a leading innovator in AI-driven lumber grading, has launched its Compact Linear Scanner, a game-changing solution designed specifically for sawmills and component producers with limited space on their production lines.

Capable of delivering high-precision defect and color detection in just 50 centimeters of conveyor space, the Compact Scanner brings the power of Neural Grader’s grading platform to facilities that were previously locked out of automation due to layout constraints.

“We’ve talked to so many mills who said, ‘We’d love to automate — but we simply don’t have the space,’” Bruno Nieuwenhuys founder and CTO at Neural Grader. “That’s exactly why we built the Compact Scanner for. If you have 50 centimeters of space, we can install.”

Space Constraints Are Real — and Neural Grader Solved Them

Space on the line is often dictated by legacy equipment, conveyor design, or building structure. The Compact Scanner is especially well suited to retrofit on existing lines. With only 50 cm of required space, installation becomes possible in places previously considered off-limits for scanning systems — all without sacrificing performance.

Despite its size, the Compact Linear Scanner includes the same capabilities as Neural Grader’s larger models:

• 2- or 4-side scanning

• Multi-board parallel handling in the case of 2 side scanning

• Super Precise defect detection on rough (Green/KD/AD) or surfaced lumber of sub mm worm holes, pin knots, checks, shake but also of hard to detect color defects as wane, heart, blue stain while ignoring marks from chains, slats, or rain.

• Sorting can be customized on specific defects, dimensions, grain, color variations

• Adapts to grading requirements of clients

• Connects seamlessly with printers, sorters, trimmers, edgers, and Neural Grader’s broader software suite to optimize your production

Fast Installation

The Compact Scanner is fully installed in just 4 days, with only 1 day of line downtime. It’s ready to go right out of the box, with remote updates and minimal operator involvement.

Bringing AI to Every Mill

“This is our most flexible, accessible scanner yet,” said Benoit Nieuwenhuys founder and CEO of Neural Grader. “It proves that AI grading doesn’t need to be big, slow, or expensive — it just needs to be smart, fast, and able to fit your reality.”

Whether you’re grading boules or lumber (unedged / edged /surfaced) or producing components with a rip saw and or cross-cut, the Compact Scanner gives you industrial-grade performance — with the footprint of a label printer.

Visit us at LIGNA 2025, in Hall 27 Stand H67 in Hannover, Germany from May 26–30, 2025.