POSCO to Revolutionize Safety Management in Steelworks With Advanced Robotics

South Korea's steel giant POSCO is partnering with Withrobot Co. and Aidin Robotics to develop high-tech robots for safety management. The initiative focuses on creating intelligent mobile robot solutions, enhancing productivity, and ensuring safer industrial environments.

POSCO has taken significant strides towards ensuring a safer work environment by partnering with two companies, Withrobot Co and Aidin Robotics. But, how exactly will these partnerships benefit the production giant?

Under the agreement with Withrobot, they will develop robots that can roam their production lines and use visual, auditory, and thermal sensors to monitor for accidents. These robots will effectively replace the need for multiple fixed security cameras and mitigate risks for workers in POSCO's large steelwork spaces.

The results of a pilot installation of the smart wire robot were astounding, with conveyor belt failures being detected successfully. POSCO is now committed to conducting joint research with WithRobot to implement customized functions for the robots to meet specific needs identified in all of their steelworks operations.

POSCO has also partnered with Aidin Robotics to develop advanced cool four-legged robots that can access hard-to-reach areas and inspect steelmaking facilities. These robots provide a cutting-edge solution for inspecting sections of steel production lines that present potential hazards to workers due to high temperatures during inspections.

The partnership with WithRobot, aims to expand the deployment of smart wire robots throughout its steelwork facilities. This innovative approach allows for the movement of images and various types of sensors along relatively inexpensive wires, reducing installation costs and the number of cameras required.

With innovative technologies like edge boards for robots and optimization of artificial intelligence networks, Withrobot was founded by former Ph.D. robotics students at the prestigious Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology.

POSCO's Gwangyang steel mill fuel plant hosted a successful pilot installation of the smart wire robot in 2022. Thanks to its powerful artificial intelligence networks, the robot was able to detect conveyor belt failures with ease- all without any expensive servers.

According to WithRobot's CEO, Kim Do-yoon, this results in significant cost savings, which makes it an ideal solution for large spaces like steel mills. That's not all, though! POSCO is conducting in-depth research to implement customized robot functions based on the specific needs identified through joint collaboration with WithRobot.

But the innovation doesn't stop there- POSCO has also teamed up with Aidin Robotics to develop advanced four-legged robots for steelmaking facility inspections. These robots are crucial for hard-to-reach areas, particularly those presenting potential hazards to workers due to high temperatures. By implementing such advanced technologies, POSCO is ensuring a safer, more efficient workplace and setting the standard for innovation in steel production.

POSCO's initiatives illustrate the use of innovative technology to solve different safety challenges in their industrial operations, which can significantly enhance productivity while ensuring that safety is always a top priority.

With these partnerships and advancements in technology, POSCO is continuously striving to create a safer work environment and improve overall efficiency in steel production.

Photo: POSCO PR Center