Statistics for technology and industry

We cover a wide range of applications including forecasting, time series analysis, network modelling, optimal delivery, logistics, optimal steering of industry processes, reliability analysis, cost surveys and analysis of very large data sets.

Our core competence is in statistical-mathematical modelling, with subsidiary competence in computing and selected applications.The challenge is often to find the simplest, yet correct, statistical formulation and method to the problem of interest, in close cooperation with our clients.

In addition to solving real life problems, we also do research within general statistical methodology. These activities are mainly organised through basic funding and Big Insight.

Selected projects

Tram passenger traffic modelling

In this project for Ruter AS, NR has developed a method for estimating tram passengers entering and leaving the tram at any stop and trip based on passenger counts from a subset of trips. All estimates are given with a quantified uncertainty.

Virtual tolling

Road tolling is typically based on physical tolling stations. In the future, road tolling will probably rely on GPS positioning or more generally so-called GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite Systems). We are developing algorithms that ensure correct payment of different varieties of toll and payment regimes.

Traffic volume estimation

We have worked with traffic modeling for several years, supported by various public authorities. One project deals with estimation of the effect of introducing a toll cordon in Oslo, other projects consider estimation of the total traffic volume over a year, based on a few counts during the year.

The Norwegian company survey

Based on company surveys conducted by The Norwegian Labour and Welfare Service (NAV), we have developed a model for the demand for labour in Norway.

Travel time estimation using Bluetooth devices

The Norwegian Public Roads Administration (NPRA) produces real-time travel time data for selected routes in Norway. The data are obtained from detection of vehicles through a highway toll system. This system provides excellent data, but it is expensive. Therefore NRPA considers alternative solutions.

Reliability analysis of reverse vending machines

TOMRA's reverse vending machines are very reliable. Yet, the machines may on rare occasions stop. We have investigated the occurrence of these stops using reliability analysis.

Smart Bolighandel

Vi vil gi boligkjøper, megler og forsikringsselskap mer relevant og nøyaktig informasjon om en bruktboligs tilstand og dermed senke usikkerheten for alle parter.

Statistical modeling of a melting furnace

Due to hostile environment inside a melting furnace, there is a lack of information about inner furnace conditions. We have developed a model that estimates the amount of internal variables as a function of various measurements.

Statistical modelling and analysis of unpaid taxes

We have developed a new model to estimate the amount of unpaid tax for each of Norway's 433 municipalities.

A robust flood estimation framework for Norway (FlomQ)

As hydro power comprises 95% of the total electricity generation in Norway, extreme flooding is an important societal issue. In collaboration with other researches, NR will develop new methods for flood estimation with the aim of designing a new flood estimation framework for Norway.

Analysis of unpaid and undeclared duties for Norwegian Customs

Based on historical control data from the Norwegian Customs we have estimated the total amount of unpaid and undeclared duties and tax on imports of alcohol-free beverages.

Development of improved methods or basis for medical age assessments of minors and young adults

Immigration authorities in several countries are confronted with a challenge in the age assessment of young asylum seekers. There is no European consensus on which methods to use for age assessment, but in Norway and several other countries a combination of measurements from teeth and wrist have been used. It is important to find approaches that can help reduce the uncertainty inherently related to the age estimate, i.e., variations due to reference data, observers and methods.

How long does it take to paint a car?

We have evaluated the methodology used for calculating the length of time taken for a paint job, especially with respect to the representativeness of the paint jobs used in the time studies.

Hvor mange medaljer får Norge i ski-VM 2015?

Norsk Regnesentral beregner prognoser for antall norske gull og medaljer i VM i Falun 2015. Anslagene er basert på resultater fra tidligere mesterskap og sesongens verdenscup. Beregningene oppdateres og presenteres jevnlig på Dagblad TV under arrangementet.

Kopieringsundersøkelse for kommunesektoren

Hensikten med arbeidet var å kartlegge kopiering blant alle ansatte i kommunesektoren, med unntak av utdanningssektoren, som grunnlag for fordeling av midler mellom rettighetshavsgrupper som Kopinor representerer.

Life cycle of reusable bottles

Norsk Resirk operates the refundable deposit scheme for cans and non-refillable plastic bottles in Norway. Recycling reduces the amount of new oil and primary aluminium being used. In this project, NR together with Norsk Resirk have used simulation based methods to model the life cycle of reusable bottles.

Measuring used packaging in Norwegian companies

In this project we have developed a new method for estimating the amount of used packaging for a company. Based on these estimates, all companies pay a fair licence fee to Materialretur.

Net Present Value with uncertainty

Prior to commencement, projects may be evaluated and compared according to their Net Present Value (NPV). In this project for Boliden, Odda, we have used a simulation approach to incorporate uncertainty evaluations in the NPV calculations.

Optimal delivery of newspapers

The Norwegian newspaper Dagbladet is sold daily at thousands of salespoints. It is difficult in advance to determine the exact number of newspapers that will be sold. We have developed a model for the expected number of sales at each sales point.

Predicting soccer tournaments

We estimate the winner chances etc. of every team participating in FIFA World Cups and UEFA European Football Championships, based on probability models. In each tournament, the calculations are updated daily and presented at the web-site, as well as in the Norwegian newspapers such as Dagbladet, VG, Aftenposten and the tv station TV 2.