Transforming Scrap Wagon Detection with AI: Himmelsbach GmbH's RECOGNITIONPoint
For over 25 years, Himmelsbach GmbH has been pioneering the automation of rail wagon identification, registration, and inspection. Known for its RECOGNITIONPoint system, the German company has become a leading innovator in the railway logistics sector, improving efficiency and transparency in scrap wagon monitoring across the globe.
The RECOGNITIONPoint uses state-of-the-art video technology, including cameras, LIDAR, radar, and induction sensors, to monitor scrap wagons at steel plants during delivery. This cutting-edge system can automatically capture and analyze key data points, such as the UIC number, a unique identifier for each wagon, and weigh each wagon's contents to provide accurate records for further analysis.
AI-Driven Identification and Weighing
At the core of the RECOGNITIONPoint system is its ability to read UIC numbers and identify scrap types using artificial intelligence. Cameras capture the UIC numbers, while AI algorithms process the data to classify the types of scrap being delivered. The system also uses additional sensors to weigh each wagon and transmit all the data to a central system via an interface.
“Trains are arriving around the clock,” says Michael Himmelsbach, General Manager of Himmelsbach GmbH. “Manually inspecting each train is costly and time-consuming, but with RECOGNITIONPoint, the process becomes fully automated. No human intervention is required, and all results, including videos and reports, are instantly available in the IT network for further use.”
Comprehensive Monitoring Technology
The RECOGNITIONPoint system provides 360-degree monitoring of the scrap wagons during delivery. With the help of advanced sensors, it captures detailed video footage of the trains as they pass through the gates. This footage is analyzed in real-time by the AI system to identify the scrap type, including the “open dome” of tank wagons, and any inconsistencies that may be present.
The system's top-down cameras can also detect the contents of each wagon, ensuring that the right scrap is being delivered to the right place. This level of automation reduces human error and boosts the accuracy of the data being recorded.
Global Operations and Proven Success
Since the development of its first AI-based monitoring systems more than 10 years ago, Himmelsbach GmbH has expanded its operations worldwide. Their RECOGNITIONPoint systems are now in operation around the clock in various regions, including Europe, Asia, and the GCC states.
The company has worked with some of the world’s leading steelworks and industrial giants, including ArcelorMittal, ThyssenKrupp, Dillinger Hütte, Pittini Italy, and HKM, who all benefit from the improved efficiency and transparency in their operations provided by Himmelsbach GmbH's solutions.
A Step Towards Full Automation
In addition to its existing services, RECOGNITIONPoint integrates seamlessly into a steel plant’s IT network, where its video footage, image data, and weighing data are stored and processed for operational purposes. This integration allows for the automation of a previously manual process, significantly reducing costs, time, and the possibility of human error.
Furthermore, the system provides real-time updates and records accessible via a web portal, giving operators and engineers immediate access to the data they need for decision-making and operational adjustments.
