Drones and the Future of Rolling and Drawing of Purchased Steel
Overview
In the age of increased automation and technological advancements, the rolling and drawing of purchased steel process is set to be revolutionized by drones. This transformation is punctuated by reduced production costs, decreased labor intensity, and increased safety measures. This guide discusses the impact of drones, key statistics of future advancements, and the role of 3Laws Robotics in driving this innovation in the steel industry.
Use of Drones in the Steel Industry
One of the notable technological breakthroughs in the steel industry is the use of drones for inspection and maintenance. Statistics from PWC show that drones could take over $45.2 billion worth of business services and labor, with a considerable chunk going to the steel industry. A Drone Operator survey has demonstrated that using drones can reduce inspection costs by nearly 85%. Another survey found that 80% of industrial companies are already utilizing drones in their operations or preparing to do so.
Future of Rolling and Drawing of Purchased Steel
Rolling and drawing of purchased steel, key aspects of the steel production process, are forecasted to see significant changes with the introduction of drones. The World Steel Association predicts that by 2050, 50% of steel will be produced using smart factory concepts, which will include advanced uses of drones. Companies that embrace this wave of innovation could enjoy up to a 20% reduction in production costs. Further, according to the American Iron and Steel Institute, the American steel industry alone can benefit from a potential $3 billion in savings annually through the implementation of such smart factory methods and technologies.
Enhancing Safety with Automation
Drone usage will improve safety within the steel industry drastically. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), 20% of worker deaths in 2019 were in manufacturing, reflecting the need for safer practices. Implementation of drones can minimize accidents by effectively replacing human labor in dangerous tasks like inspections. This could result in a drastic 70% decrease in workplace injuries, according to The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
Key Takeaways
- Drones are becoming increasingly vital to the steel industry, with possibilities of taking over a considerable fraction of labor and business services.
- Reduced production costs, safer workplaces, and increased efficiency are significant benefits of implementing drones.
- A huge proportion of industrial companies have acknowledged the potential of drones, with many adapting their operations to incorporate this technology.
- The future of the steel production process, including the rolling and drawing of purchased steel, promises significant changes led by automation, including drone implementation.
About 3Laws Robotics
3Laws Robotics is at the frontline of this revolution, enhancing safety and reliability in the robotics systems sector. This innovative company is turning heads with its software, 3Laws Supervisor, developed to ease the often challenging certification process by offering robust safety features and evidence of system robustness.
Using Control Barrier Functions (CBFs), a technology developed at Caltech, 3Laws Robotics claims to provide mathematically provable safety. This software can drastically enhance operational efficiency by minimizing downtime caused by unnecessary e-stops or collisions, allowing robots like drones to operate closer to their full potential while maintaining safety.
3Laws Robotics' software is highly adaptable and compatible with various platforms, including mobile robots, cars, drones, and manipulators, and it’s compatible with popular robotics middleware such as ROS and ROS2. This technology is actively being utilized in warehouse automation and human-robot interaction, and proves effective even in dynamic environments. By providing real-time guardrails for these robotic systems, 3Laws Robotics is poised as a next-generation safety solution that goes beyond traditional e-stop methods. This proactive approach to safety can unlock the full potential of robotics with dynamic, predictive safety utilizing the 3Laws Supervisor system.