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<p><strong>In steel construction, every millimeter counts. A small deviation can have major consequences for scheduling, costs, and safety. Yet in many factories, quality control is still carried out using 2D drawings and a tape measure. Voortman, based in Rijssen, demonstrates that there is another way. With LogicSteel XR, the company brings digital models directly to the shop floor, thereby transforming how inspections are conducted in the steel construction industry.</strong></p><p>Voortman develops and supplies steel-processing machines worldwide, integrating operations such as sawing, drilling, welding, and cutting into complete production lines for steel structures, such as bridges and buildings. In addition, the company develops software to control and optimize production processes. LogicSteel XR, an application for quality control of steel structures, was also developed within that software division. </p><p><img src="https://cms.aihub-oost.nl/uploads/Logic_Steel_XR_Measurements_003_2025_12_10_cd2a8a3878.jpg?token=_sT7zSvuLkSbz8wo3BsUrHwMJJwcFfYYQ5-xGDs7jsY&amp;expires=1784642131" alt="LogicSteel_XR_Measurements_003_2025-12-10.jpg" srcset="https://cms.aihub-oost.nl/uploads/thumbnail_Logic_Steel_XR_Measurements_003_2025_12_10_cd2a8a3878.jpg?token=zKaAWhpAQNZ98QGegV6TMc7CZREr2uTRbrOf8dXFKmc&amp;expires=1784642131 208w,https://cms.aihub-oost.nl/uploads/small_Logic_Steel_XR_Measurements_003_2025_12_10_cd2a8a3878.jpg?token=WWJv1F8b5DVipKimVOk_WeLrGL1FKjD8xh_wNDO6Qaw&amp;expires=1784642131 500w,https://cms.aihub-oost.nl/uploads/medium_Logic_Steel_XR_Measurements_003_2025_12_10_cd2a8a3878.jpg?token=62sNiG2IteY0EjsmfCZa8kU195Dt0av1nBbtzRqldo4&amp;expires=1784642131 750w,https://cms.aihub-oost.nl/uploads/large_Logic_Steel_XR_Measurements_003_2025_12_10_cd2a8a3878.jpg?token=5TpGvro3Zv0FNFBxND9LHaqnt_1I1Iw3CwCWXcYhtR4&amp;expires=1784642131 1000w," sizes="100vw" width="2353" height="1765"></p><h2>Error-Prone and Time-Consuming Inspection </h2><p>Quality control is a crucial step in the production process. If a defect is not discovered until after a structure has been shipped—for example, from Germany to southern France—it can lead to significant delays and high costs.  </p><p>Traditionally, this inspection is carried out using 2D drawings and manual measurements. This requires a great deal of experience and interpretive skill on the part of inspectors. At the same time, pressure is mounting due to an aging workforce in the sector. Experienced professionals are leaving, while the work remains complex. “That means someone really needs to have quite a bit of experience to read such a drawing properly,” explains Martin Janse, Head of XR Products at Voortman.  </p><p>The question within Voortman therefore became increasingly urgent: Can’t this be done faster, simpler, and more reliably? </p><h2>A digital layer over reality </h2><p>With LogicSteel XR, Voortman developed a solution in which a 3D model of the structure is superimposed as a digital overlay on the physical object. Using an XR headset, the inspector can immediately see whether reality matches the design. The technology makes it possible to walk around the structure and inspect it from every angle.  </p><p>Interpreting drawings is no longer necessary, as deviations become visually apparent. “Our customers can now immediately see the 3D model superimposed over the assembly. Not only is this faster, but above all, it eliminates the margin of error,” says Janse. The use of AI is primarily behind the scenes, for example in object recognition and the correct positioning of the model in physical space.  </p><p><img src="https://cms.aihub-oost.nl/uploads/Logic_Steel_XR_Measurements_002_2025_12_10_e6acb28158.jpg?token=jvD6KLfL-9vRxDK_xu_PxBmvmFcN_pLgtvTBU8QfjDs&amp;expires=1784642210" alt="LogicSteel_XR_Measurements_002_2025-12-10.jpg" srcset="https://cms.aihub-oost.nl/uploads/thumbnail_Logic_Steel_XR_Measurements_002_2025_12_10_e6acb28158.jpg?token=H-MPyEFh1DKW-wQFiM_iuqIXVz57R_BRd7Mapu9XJGw&amp;expires=1784642210 208w,https://cms.aihub-oost.nl/uploads/small_Logic_Steel_XR_Measurements_002_2025_12_10_e6acb28158.jpg?token=I5btR9-dROF1PeC1M8ySvoh_uWptMYV4Ajm3xIqyE9M&amp;expires=1784642210 500w,https://cms.aihub-oost.nl/uploads/medium_Logic_Steel_XR_Measurements_002_2025_12_10_e6acb28158.jpg?token=kBZlUa9RmkFV44CuyZCvrbnh-TYbqEPMSA0ICk_PjaI&amp;expires=1784642210 750w,https://cms.aihub-oost.nl/uploads/large_Logic_Steel_XR_Measurements_002_2025_12_10_e6acb28158.jpg?token=5vv81LonPfyIm4zXUU8RrsHAwra6qAQRvsfAh0U7Qmo&amp;expires=1784642210 1000w," sizes="100vw" width="2178" height="1634"></p><h2>From 45 minutes to 10 minutes of inspection time </h2><p>The results are tangible and visible on the shop floor. Whereas inspecting complex structures used to take 45 to 50 minutes, with LogicSteel XR it takes about 10 minutes. In addition, defects are detected earlier and more accurately. This includes not only measurable deviations but also visual defects that are difficult to detect with a tape measure. “You can now spot many other types of defects much faster. You wouldn’t see those with manual measurements, for example,” says Janse.  </p><p>This results in:</p><ul><li data-list-item-id="eee35611d9445a5301795f360f231a5c9">less rework  </li><li data-list-item-id="e1ca226b660a5b4c8e6f26254377ab105">lower repair costs  </li><li data-list-item-id="eec577f478d18622c0c19cd397f3868eb">faster turnaround times  </li><li data-list-item-id="e2ec1ce0f23387dc25e69db7d5c19fd95">greater reliability of the final product  </li></ul><h2>Technology must work for people </h2><p>Voortman developed LogicSteel XR in close collaboration with customers. Users were involved in the early stages through pilot projects and feedback sessions. A key lesson learned is that ease of use is of paramount importance. The target audience often consists of skilled tradespeople with limited IT experience. That’s why there was a strong focus on intuitive operation inspired by principles from, for example, the gaming industry. “The people who use the product often have little computer knowledge, so it has to be very intuitive and simple,” says Janse.  </p><p>In practice, adoption has proven to be less of an issue than expected. Younger employees, in particular, are quick to pick up the technology—even without extensive training. At the same time, there were technical challenges, such as accurately positioning digital models on large, relatively “simple” steel structures. This required customization and optimizations in the software. </p><h2>AI and Computer Vision as the Next Step </h2><p>Voortman views this development as just the beginning. In the coming years, the focus will be on further integrating AI, particularly in the field of computer vision.</p><p>Examples include:</p><ul><li data-list-item-id="eac768653638c07a55111b8016199fda9">automatic part recognition  </li><li data-list-item-id="ea946128d118111ab49c2c11b4c087468">insights into movements and workflows in the factory  </li><li data-list-item-id="e5c7a7364f51575bbabdc99811e4405e5">support for logistics and process management  </li></ul><blockquote><p>“I think computer vision will become one of the most important areas we’re working on,” says Janse. The combination of XR and AI can thus evolve into a broader digital layer covering the entire factory, bringing together inspection, monitoring, and process optimization.</p></blockquote><p>Want to learn more about this technology? Check out <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.voortman.net/nl/logicsteel">LogicSteel XR | Voortman Steel Machinery.</a></p><p>Curious about the AI possibilities for your organization? Let us know—we’d love to talk with you!</p>

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<p>In steel construction, every millimeter counts. A small deviation can have major consequences for scheduling, costs, and safety. Yet in many factories, quality control is still carried out using 2D drawings and a tape measure. Voortman, based in Rijssen, is demonstrating that there’s another way. With LogicSteel XR, the company brings digital models directly to the shop floor, thereby transforming how inspections are conducted in the steel construction industry.&nbsp;</p>