Bishal Raj Karki’s doctoral dissertation at LUT University assesses the progress and sustainability of digital maintenance services. Digitalisation simplifies maintenance complexities and facilitates advanced maintenance offerings such as 24/7 support, making them a reality for all maintenance service providers and consumers. However, despite its enormous advantages, digital maintenance is still relatively new and in its early stages, and its value remains difficult to demonstrate.
“Transitioning from traditional maintenance to sustainable digital maintenance is a complex process. It begins with a necessary shift in mindset among decision-makers to embrace and adapt to digital solutions. This is followed by significant financial investment to develop and implement the appropriate tools and infrastructure. Lastly, there is the essential step of educating and training users to effectively operate within the new system,” says Karki.
What digital maintenance offers
By adopting the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), big data, cloud computing, and digital twins, companies can replace outdated manual processes with innovative, data-driven solutions.
- Key features include real-time condition monitoring, sensors tracking equipment health, and predictive maintenance, where AI forecasts failures and suggests solutions.
- Automated workflows help schedule and assign maintenance tasks efficiently.
- Remote diagnostics, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR) allow experts to inspect and repair equipment from a distance.
- Digital documentation stores maintenance records securely in the cloud.
This shift helps businesses stay competitive, optimise asset performance, and remain sustainable.
Curious People -uutiskirje kertoo ratkaisuista, joilla autamme yhteiskuntaa, teollisuutta ja liiketoimintaa uudistumaan sekä raivaamme tietä energiasiirtymässä ja luonnonvarojen kestävässä käytössä.
Economic, environmental, and safety benefits
Digitalisation can increase efficiency and productivity by detecting failures instantly and using data and AI to automate maintenance schedules. It can reduce paperwork and manual effort, streamlining operations. It can also save money by preventing costly breakdowns, minimising downtime, and optimising spare part inventory.
Safety is enhanced since sensors can predict failures before they happen. Automated logs help meet regulatory standards, and remote maintenance reduces risks for technicians working in dangerous environments.
The environmental benefits are significant, as digitalisation reduces energy waste, emissions, and paper usage. Equipment reliability improves as data-driven maintenance extends asset lifespans and reduces wear and tear.
This is how several advanced technologies support and drive this transformation:
- IoT sensors collect real-time machine data, while AI and ML predict failures and suggest solutions.
- Digital twins generate simulated replicas of equipment for precise monitoring.
- Cloud and edge computing allow fast and scalable data processing.
- Blockchain ensures secure maintenance records.
- AR/VR technology helps technicians troubleshoot issues remotely.
What does the future look like?
However, digitalisation comes with challenges. Most operational assets today are still outdated and lack built-in sensors to generate health and performance data. Only newer assets, typically those acquired in the past decade, are equipped with modern technology or some level of IoT connectivity. Upgrading all legacy assets would be a costly endeavour, and integrating new technology with older systems can be difficult. Cybersecurity risks increase as more data move online. Employees also need training to work with digital tools effectively. These challenges must be addressed to make the most out of digital maintenance.
Future trends in digital maintenance include AI-driven self-healing machines, energy-efficient AI solutions, and 5G and edge AI for real-time data processing. Autonomous maintenance robots will also play a greater role in handling routine tasks. Digitalisation will help industries move from reactive to proactive and sustainable maintenance in the long run. This shift will further improve efficiency, reduce costs, and create a safer, more sustainable future.
The public examination will be held on 17 October 2025 at noon. Follow the live stream
More information
Bishal Raj Karki
bishal.karki@student.lut.fi
