Severstal tests remote AR expertise

2024: Equipment Review Platform Test

Severstal"" has tested a digital platform that allows for equipment expertise, commissioning, diagnostics and operational repair using augmented reality AR (). Testing took place in the cable shop "" and Severstal-metiz at the shot-and-roll plant of Severstal Steel Structures, with the participation of specialists from these enterprises, as well as experts from "" and Severstal-Infokoma product developers - company "." Digital Inspector This was announced Severstal by "" on December 17, 2024.

The remote examination looks like this: the operator puts on AR glasses, the image from which is broadcast to the computer through the Digital Inspector platform . The expert on the screen sees the same thing as the operator, can analyze his actions and give recommendations. The operator on top of real equipment sees, for example, his digital map in augmented reality, on which the expert can leave graphic hints on the required actions. Reading QR and barcodes from equipment, sharing photos and other files are also available .

As a result, time is significantly saved: a specialist does not need to be present in person at the facility if a simple inspection is to be carried out. An ordinary employee familiar with the unit and the technological process can carry it out and eliminate the breakdown. The platform also allows you to respond more quickly to incidents that require the participation of experts: often they can remotely connect to the device and solve the problem with an employee on the spot.

As part of the pilot, it was possible to identify three potential cases for implementation at Severstal enterprises: remote adjustment, diagnostics and repair of equipment; adjustment of frequency transducers of cranes; installation of drill ropes.

Experts in diagnostics of industrial equipment are in great demand and often visit various production sites. However, some operations can be performed remotely and thereby save labor: it is enough to be familiar with the technological process and clearly follow the instructions of the expert. The consumption of the company's time and resources for business trips is greatly reduced: instead of several days with flights and moves of a specialist loaded with tasks, the problem can be solved in a few hours. Remote examination is not just a video call: the expert sees the picture in the same way as if he personally examined the unit, and the employee on the spot in augmented reality understands exactly what actions he needs to perform, can follow the checklist and graphic prompts. Subsequently, the decision can be scaled on other equipment of the company, - commented Denis Kolupaev, head of the management R&D of Severstal-Infocom.

While piloting the solution at Severstal's sites, we gained valuable experience and gathered feedback on the implementation of the new solution functionality, which will increase the economic impact for the customer. In the process of pilot tests, in addition to the Digital Inspector software and hardware complex, Avotel adders were used to amplify the cellular network signal, "said Viktor Kasparov, General Director of Digital Inspector.