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The mineral industry now has a solution capable of helping to solve a large part of its problems. The capacity of machines to perform increasingly complex operations is already an established reality in the market. This is the case for computer vision, a branch of Artificial Intelligence (AI) that has revolutionized different sectors by identifying and processing images in a more advanced way than human vision. Through the incorporation of this technology, the analysis of useful information can be carried out in a safer, more accurate, and cheaper way than manual labor, including in the mining industry sector. Deeptrack, a solution developed by Pix Force in partnership with Eneva, follows the trend of incorporating disruptive technologies in the market, increasing the efficiency of logistics carried out by conveyor belts. Manual inspection of transport carried out by the mining industry is considered inefficient and unfeasible; after all, workers are subjected to extreme environments to observe belts that can cross entire cities. Besides demanding a lot of time, manual inspection is not capable of revealing precise information that can prevent technical failures. This is the case with the overheating of the rollers that make up the conveyor belts, a technical problem that can be responsible for unexpected shutdowns that would hardly be identified by manual monitoring. Through computer vision, rapid image processing allows maintenance teams to work more safely and efficiently, considerably reducing risks for the logistics chain.
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Use of drones in the mineral industry
The technology developed by Pix Force is capable of processing images captured by drones, transforming them into reports that will be evaluated later by the team responsible for the logistical operation. The aircraft are equipped with infrared and RGB sensors that capture the individual temperatures and georeferenced location of each conveyor belt roller. The technology also works in processing images captured by fixed cameras, proving its adaptability according to the scenario in which the work will be carried out. The application of computer vision in the mining sector makes it possible to focus on predictive maintenance; after all, the use of drones anticipates deficiencies in the logistics chain, optimizing the productive sector. Spending on maintenance and unexpected downtime is already responsible for a large part of operating costs in different segments. In the mineral industry, the logistics chain also poses risks to the health of the workers involved, who must face severe and high-risk conditions to carry out manual inspections. By incorporating technological solutions, the sector guarantees more safety and agility to the processes. According to a survey conducted by one of the companies served by Pix Force, defective rollers are the second leading cause of conveyor belt failures. The analysis showed that of the 325.5 hours the belts remained stopped, 169 were linked to fire outbreaks, which proves the need to monitor the individual temperature of each roller.
Accessible technology
Image analysis was once known as an expensive and difficult-to-access process, but the incorporation of new technologies has been changing the scenario with increasing agility. The use of AI applied to computer vision in different segments is already a reality, being pointed out as one of the main solutions to problems faced in the production chain. Research already points to the adoption of computer vision as an initiative capable of increasing revenue in different sectors, saving time and money in operations. The ability of machines to interpret images or react to what they "see" acts directly on cutting costs and gaining efficiency, increasing productivity and operational safety. Over the last five years, the technology has gained ground and has been able to showcase its full potential to transform the capture and interpretation of information, consolidating itself as a completely viable alternative. Founded in 2016, Pix Force has been active in developing highly efficient technologies, with precise and low-cost solutions. Through Deeptrack, technical teams can take the focus off manual inspections, acting in a safer and more practical way. Drones can be operated with ease, without the need for knowledge of piloting or hiring specialized teams. Another advantage of the solution is the possibility of obtaining historical reports that show the performance of each conveyor belt roller. The team responsible for maintenance can identify which sections present problems more frequently, having access to the videos of the missions in their entirety.
Direct action in the use of conveyor belts
Artificial Intelligence (AI) applied to computer vision has enabled a true revolution in the process of video capture and analysis, offering solutions for sectors facing great challenges. This is the case of logistics in the mining industry, which needs to operate with the help of kilometers of conveyor belts responsible for transporting inputs and raw materials. According to an analysis by Gartner, a company specialized in consulting and research in the technological field, by the end of 2024, 75% of companies will leave the pilot phase to fully operationalize the use of Artificial Intelligence in their processes. The trend reflects the reliability of the technology, which should act in providing data and information for managers to make more assertive and strategic decisions. Despite being essential for the mining sector, conveyor belts present important challenges. Inspections must be carried out under severe and high-risk conditions, not to mention the speed required to control fires caused by overheating of the rollers. Computer vision emerges as an ally for logistical operations, enabling the advancement of the mining industry. Through innovation, technologies are already capable of surpassing human vision, raising the industry to a new productive level.
Fabio Caraça
Fábio Caraça is the Chief Growth Officer at Pix Force. He leads Pix Force's transformation into a scalable SaaS operation, combining strategic vision, culture, and high-impact execution.
