Magnitogorsk Iron & Steel Works : MMK Launches Drone-Powered Warehouse Inventory System for Coal and Iron Ore Reserves

Magnitogorsk Iron and Steel Works (MMK) has launched a warehouse inventory system for its coal and iron ore processing facilities using state-of-the art drones. They are able to scan the plant's stockpiles containing more than one million tonnes of coal and iron ore within several hours, eliminating the need for traditional surveying and enabling swift data collection from inaccessible facilities. The system was introduced by specialists from AI startup SAREX in partnership with MMK-Informservice (part of MMK Group).

The new technological solution provides full coverage of all Company warehouses, using aerial photography in open-air warehouses and ground laser scanning in indoor warehouses. As a result, the system produces an accurate digital inventory model that can be accessed via a web-interface without the need to install additional software. The solution operates within MMK's closed IT system in full compliance with information security requirements.

The warehouse inventory system uses digital warehouse models and a separate module of the SAREX system to create dynamic analytical reports, which provide MMK specialists with fast and reliable information about the amount and types of raw materials present in each individual warehouse.

MMK's drone-powered inventory system has been named a finalist in the Company's Digital Olympus corporate competition and is a contender for the "Digital Project of the Year" title. The winner will be chosen on December 27 by the Company's expert council under the chairmanship of MMK CEO Pavel Shilyaev. The Digital Olympus is designed to promote ideas and initiatives that advance MMK's digital strategy, as well as identify the best IT projects and shape emerging leaders in digital transformation among Company employees.