#ARCTIC. #SIBERIA. THIS IS TAIMYR. Nornickel is one of the leaders in the use of gadgets in production. For several years now, the metallurgical giant has been using many innovative technologies at its enterprises: data mining, VR and MR, neural networks, more than ten drones are operating on the surface, exoskeletons and underground drones are being tested.
Victor Dikonenko, Norilsktransremont enterprise chief engineer, demonstrated the latest models of high-tech equipment to the students of the Moscow Polytechnic University.
The specialist told the children about two types of exoskeletons: lightweight textile and heavy industrial ones. The latter delighted the audience – it helps to easily lift 60 kilograms.
“There is some scepticism, but I think when people see the effect of working with our engineers, everyone will want to use this equipment. For example, the copper plant is already considering the purchase of the textile exoskeletons. As for heavy industrial exoskeleton complexes, this equipment has passed all the test tests, only one thing remains – legal consolidation at the legislation level”, Victor Dikonenko explained.
“What we saw in childhood in science fiction films, where people coexist with robots, is already here. This performance was an inspiration for me”, Ivan Lisyutin, a student of the Moscow Polytechnic University, shared his impressions.
It is important that exoskeletons are produced in Russia from domestic components.
“From the insulation of electrical wiring, to the last screw – everything is of russian production. This is what our engineers initially sought when the project began”, Victor Dikonenko noted.
Exoskeletons have been tested at Nornickel enterprises for four years. They have passed all tests in industrial conditions. Now experts are finalizing them so that they can be used in production.
Experts presented prototypes of surveying drones, MR and VR materials with the effect of full presence on the production site, as well as a collaborative robot, an automatic device that can work together with a person.
Today, Nornickel pays great attention to the introduction of promising developments. In recent years, the company has radically changed due to scientific, technical and innovative activities, which now cover all areas – from geological exploration to the marketing of finished products.
Recall that at the end of April, the company tested a new drone with a laser scanning function in Norilsk. The drone can be attached to a video camera, a thermal imager, an echo sounder that allows you to survey the bottom of the tailings at a depth of up to 100 meters, and a lidar scanner that can survey two square kilometers for 15 minutes. On the surface, drones are used to survey the terrain, tailings, and areas where raw materials are deposited.
More than 20 innovative initiatives are being implemented at different sites of Nornickel. The company continues to develop the Technological Breakthrough program, which will last until 2024. Over five years, the volume of investments in this project amounted to six billion rubles.
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Text: Anzhelika Stepanova, Photo: Nornickel press office
