Metinvest Group, one of the largest steel and mining companies in Ukraine, is embracing cutting-edge artificial intelligence technologies to improve both workplace safety and product quality across its operations. At the “Forbes Tech 2024: Technology for Your Business” conference in Kyiv, Maksym Balaniuk, head of Metinvest Digital's R&D center, shared insights into how the company is utilizing AI to drive operational improvements. The conference, which attracted key industry players from major tech companies such as Meta, Microsoft, and Google, provided a platform for discussing the role of emerging technologies in business growth, especially during challenging times.
One of the key AI initiatives introduced by Metinvest is a computer vision-based safety platform known as SPAIS. This innovative solution integrates with the company’s industrial video surveillance systems, monitoring employees' actions in real-time to ensure that safety protocols are being followed. The system scans video feeds from multiple cameras to identify safety violations, such as workers not wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) or entering hazardous zones. By automatically detecting these infractions, the platform helps prevent accidents before they occur, contributing to a safer work environment. Balaniuk explained that the system is continuously evolving and will soon be capable of detecting and alerting the presence of fire, smoke, or smoking in high-risk areas, further enhancing workplace safety.
The implementation of SPAIS has already proven successful in reducing safety violations at several Metinvest facilities, with plans to expand the system to other assets within the company. According to Balaniuk, the impact has been clear: there has been a noticeable decrease in safety violations, which directly translates to fewer workplace accidents and a safer environment for all employees. The system’s ability to monitor large areas and provide real-time alerts is a significant advancement in industrial safety, particularly in high-risk environments like steel plants and mining operations.
In addition to improving safety, Metinvest is also using AI to enhance product quality control through a computer vision solution designed to analyze the manufacturing process in real-time. The system closely monitors the production of steel products, ensuring that they meet the exact specifications required by customers. By automatically detecting deviations in product quality, the platform helps reduce material waste and ensures higher consistency in production. This AI-powered solution is particularly valuable for industries like steel, where maintaining high product standards is critical for customer satisfaction and cost efficiency.
The first version of the quality control system developed by Metinvest Digital is already performing at the level of a highly skilled human expert. However, the company plans to enhance this system in the coming year, aiming to surpass human capabilities in terms of both efficiency and accuracy. The upgraded version will offer fatigue-free monitoring, ensuring continuous and more reliable quality control. Balaniuk projected that the initial version of the product could save a single Metinvest enterprise approximately $250,000 annually by reducing material waste and the costs associated with reprocessing defective products. The upcoming version, he noted, could potentially double these savings, further improving the company's bottom line.
This AI-driven approach is part of Metinvest's broader strategy to digitalize its operations and optimize performance. By incorporating advanced technology, Metinvest is not only enhancing safety and product quality but also improving operational efficiency across the board. With artificial intelligence playing a pivotal role, the company is better equipped to meet customer demands while reducing costs and minimizing environmental impact.
Balaniuk emphasized that these AI initiatives align with Metinvest’s long-term goal of becoming a more innovative, sustainable, and efficient enterprise. By integrating AI across its operations, Metinvest is positioning itself as a leader in technological advancement within the steel and mining sectors. The company’s focus on AI-powered safety and quality control systems demonstrates its commitment to maintaining high standards in both employee welfare and product excellence. These initiatives are expected to contribute to Metinvest's growth and competitiveness in the global market, ultimately benefiting both the company and its stakeholders.
As Metinvest continues to develop and refine its AI technologies, it is clear that the company is not only adopting digital tools but also setting new industry standards for the use of artificial intelligence in manufacturing. With continued investment in these technologies, Metinvest is poised to further improve its operations, reduce costs, and enhance its sustainability efforts.
