Balconagar, Korba; 28th November 2023: Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO), India’s iconic aluminium producer, and a unit of Vedanta Aluminium, marks a significant leap forward with the introduction of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and Driver Monitoring Systems (DMS) in their internal vehicular operations. This cutting-edge artificial intelligence technology is poised to elevate road safety amid the dynamic driving conditions within the plant.
Given the diverse array of vehicles, ranging from 2-wheelers to heavy-duty technological vehicles carrying molten aluminum and other raw materials, BALCO places road safety at the forefront of its priorities. The constant movement of vehicles necessitates an unwavering commitment to road safety, rendering this digital integration a pivotal milestone in fortifying road safety measures and averting potential human errors.
The newly incorporated ADAS aids drivers in detecting blind spots around their vehicles, issuing real-time alerts when a moving vehicle change lanes. Another technological stride, the DMS, monitors driver’s behavior and attentiveness. Using an infrared inward-facing camera and leveraging advanced Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning tools, the DMS continuously analyzes facial position, eye movements, and head positioning. It promptly raises alerts in the event of any unusual activities such as drowsiness, fatigue, phone usage, or any other distractions.
Emphasizing the significance of road safety, Mr. Rajesh Kumar, CEO and Director of BALCO, said, “BALCO is dedicated to fostering a secure working environment, aligning with our ‘Zero Harm’ philosophy at the workplace. Our objective is to establish a safe and protected environment for all employees, business partners, and visitors, extending across every facet of our facility. Each member of the BALCO family is committed to enhancing workplace safety by adhering to the fundamental rules and practices of Industrial Health, Safety, and Environment. This initiative closely aligns with our overarching priorities of ensuring workforce safety and leveraging digitalization and innovation for operational excellence.”
To build a robust safety culture, the company incorporates several cutting-edge technologies, such as:
- BALCO houses T-Pulse Health, Safety, Security and Environment (HSSE) Monitoring System for ensuring fulfilment of crucial safety protocols, through a network of cameras using most comprehensive AI models, tracking ongoing activity inside the plant in real time.
- Augmented and Virtual Reality Training Centre, Video Analytics, Sustainability Mobile App, E-learning courses, and Digitalization of Workforce Connectivity to enhance leading indicators in safety practices.
- Centralized Security Operations Centre (CSOC) leverages digital intelligence and data insights for better decision-making in security, traffic & road safety, and supply chain security functions.
- Real-time data monitoring, facilitating end-to-end digital dashboards, including projects like the Hot Spot Detection System at coal yard, using thermal inspection to ensure strict safety.
- LED Logo projectors designed to illuminate safety signs on floors, ensuring clear and prominent display of safety messages in low-light conditions, especially in areas with dust accumulation and high vehicular traffic.
Testament to its safety-first approach, BALCO has received several accolades, including the Global Road Safety Award 2023 in the “Gold Category” from The Energy and Environment Foundation. This recognition underscores BALCO’s relentless pursuit of safety excellence, reinforced by regular safety training sessions and awareness programs. Additionally, the company achieved the status of ‘Platinum Winner’ at the 5th CII National Safety Practices Competition for its ‘Suraksha Sankalp Kutumbh’ project on safety digitalization.
