Danieli Group, a global leader in machinery and equipment for the steel industry, has unveiled an innovative project, ViBES (Vision-Based Effective Sensing), to improve process automation and workplace safety. The project leverages cutting-edge computer vision and artificial intelligence to automate the handling of semi-finished steel products, receiving substantial co-funding of €200,000 through the SMACT Competence Center’s IRISS program.
In collaboration with Ca’ Foscari University of Venice and Digital Strategy Innovation, a company specializing in IT and digital services, the group aims to transform the management and identification of steel semi-finished products in steel mills. Currently, this task requires skilled operators to identify and maneuver materials stored in huge warehouses using overhead cranes. Human involvement in this intricate process leaves room for potential errors and safety issues, especially in high-risk environments. ViBES is designed to address these challenges by enabling fully automated operations through advanced computer vision and AI, reducing reliance on manual labor while increasing production efficiency.
According to Lorenzo Bacchetti, Vice President – Cranes and Automatic Yards at Danieli Group, “The ViBES project aims to revolutionize the process of handling and identifying semi-finished steel products via overhead cranes by fully automating the process using advanced Computer Vision and AI technologies”. The company aims “to improve operational efficiency while providing a safer working environment”.
Computer vision will capture geometric data, identifying both the position and orientation of materials relative to the crane’s trolley. Meanwhile, Artificial Intelligence will resolve visual ambiguities caused by material stacking, occlusions, and variable lighting conditions, making the system more reliable in all environments. By automating material handling, ViBES aims to cut handling times, minimize positioning errors, reduce material damage, and decrease operational costs. Moreover, the Danieli Group’s project will eliminate human interaction in semi-finished product lifting operations, significantly reducing workplace accident risks and promoting a safer, more efficient work environment.