Intelligent Inspections at a Steel Hot Rolling Mill in Shanghai

Steel manufacturing is a cornerstone of industrial production, yet its facilities pose significant challenges for inspection and maintenance due to their harsh environments and complex machinery. At a steel hot rolling mill in Shanghai, the Unitree quadruped robot was deployed to revolutionize the daily inspection of the 1880 heating furnace area. This cutting-edge technology not only streamlined operations but also introduced a new level of intelligence and efficiency in detecting abnormalities.

The Challenge

Hot rolling mills are high-temperature environments where the risk of equipment failure can have serious consequences, including production delays and safety hazards. Inspections at the mill focused on the following challenges:

• Steam Leaks: Abnormal steam leaks at the base of the 1880 heating furnace required constant monitoring to prevent inefficiencies and damage.
• Operational Complexity: The furnace bottom is a difficult area to inspect manually due to high heat and limited accessibility.
• Precision Requirements: Early detection of issues like steam leaks is critical to avoid larger problems and maintain production flow.

The Solution: Deploying a Quadruped Robot

To tackle these challenges, the Unitree quadruped robot was equipped with advanced tools and deployed for daily inspections of the furnace area:

• 3D LiDAR System: Enables precise navigation and mapping of the furnace bottom, even in tight and obstacle-filled spaces.
• Dual-Light PTZ Camera: Captures high-resolution images and video, ensuring accurate detection of abnormalities such as steam leaks.
• Wireless Communication Module: Provides seamless real-time data transmission to control room operators, allowing immediate analysis and response.

This configuration allowed the robot to autonomously inspect the furnace bottom, providing reliable and repeatable data without exposing human inspectors to hazardous conditions.

Real-World Benefits

The deployment of the Unitree quadruped robot brought numerous benefits to the steel hot rolling mill:

• Enhanced Safety: By automating inspections in high-temperature areas, the robot eliminated the need for personnel to enter dangerous zones.
• Improved Accuracy: The dual-light PTZ camera ensured precise detection of abnormal steam leaks, minimizing the risk of undetected issues.
• Operational Intelligence: Advanced data modeling allowed the robot to perform intelligent diagnostics, identifying potential equipment failures before they occurred.
• Efficiency Gains: Automated inspections streamlined the process, saving time and reducing manual effort while maintaining consistency.

Optimizing Inspections Through Automation

The Unitree quadruped robot not only improved safety and efficiency but also optimized the inspection process through advanced automation. Key features of this optimization included:

• Detailed Furnace Inspections: The robot conducted thorough inspections of the furnace base, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
• Data-Driven Decision-Making: Real-time data transmission enabled operators to make informed decisions quickly, preventing delays and downtime.
• Advanced Data Modeling: Intelligent diagnostics, powered by data analysis, allowed the robot to detect patterns and predict equipment issues, further enhancing the reliability of operations.

Applications Beyond Steel Mills

The success of the Unitree quadruped robot in this hot rolling mill demonstrates its potential for similar applications in other industries:

• Power Plants: Monitoring boilers, turbines, and other high-temperature equipment.
• Chemical Plants: Inspecting hazardous areas for leaks and equipment malfunctions.
• Mining Operations: Navigating confined spaces to perform safety checks on equipment and infrastructure.
• Oil and Gas Facilities: Detecting leaks and ensuring operational safety in high-risk zones.

Conclusion

The deployment of the Unitree quadruped robot at the steel hot rolling mill in Shanghai showcases its ability to tackle complex inspection challenges in hazardous and demanding environments. By automating inspections, enhancing precision, and leveraging intelligent diagnostics, the robot has set a new standard for operational efficiency and safety in industrial facilities.

To learn more about how Unitree quadruped robots can transform your inspection processes, visit Robostore.com. As the official US distributor of Unitree Robotics, we’re committed to helping your business achieve smarter, safer, and more efficient operations.