BALCO introduces state-of-the-art AI technology to ensure safe vehicular transitions at its plant

A subsidiary of the Indian aluminium giant Vedanta, BALCO has integrated Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and Driver Monitoring Systems (DMS) throughout their transportation chain, making inter-plant operations risk-free. 

This modernistic AI technology will be fundamental in augmenting road safety measures, considering the pressure of a dynamic driving zone within the unit. 

Ensuring road safety is a top priority for BALCO due to the variety of vehicles that are used, ranging from 2-wheelers to heavy-duty technological vehicles that transport raw materials such as molten aluminium. The constant movement of vehicles on the roads requires a steadfast commitment to road safety. This integration of digital technology is a crucial milestone in strengthening road safety measures and preventing potential human errors.

The CEO and Director of BALCO, Rajesh Kumar, while narrating the importance of road safety within an aluminium plant, confessed: "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 digitalisation and innovation for operational excellence."

BALCO has made impressive strides in integrating advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) to help drivers detect any blind spots around their vehicles. The system issues real-time alerts to change lanes when a moving vehicle is detected, ensuring that drivers remain aware of their surroundings.

Moreover, the latest Driver Monitoring System (DMS) is designed to monitor driver behaviour and attentiveness. By analysing facial position, eye movements, and head positioning, the DMS leverages advanced Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning tools to promptly detect any unusual activities such as drowsiness, fatigue, phone usage, or any other distractions. This technology ensures drivers are kept safe, alert, and focused on the road.

BALCO has earned multiple accolades for its safety-first approach, including the Global Road Safety Award 2023 in the "Gold Category" from The Energy and Environment Foundation. These accolades highlight BALCO's unwavering commitment to safety excellence, reinforced by regular safety training sessions and awareness programs. The company was also recognised as a "Platinum Winner" at the 5th CII National Safety Practices Competition for its' Suraksha Sankalp Kutumbh' project on safety digitalisation.

Bharat Aluminium Company Limited, also known as BALCO, is a prominent aluminium producer in India. The company is owned by Vedanta Limited, which holds a 51% stake, and the Government of India, which holds the remaining 49%. BALCO operates as a division of Vedanta's Aluminium Business, making Vedanta Limited the largest manufacturer of aluminium in India. The company's aluminium smelter in Korba, Chhattisgarh, has an annual production capacity of 0.57 million tonnes.

To develop a rigid safety protocol, the aluminium firm has already introduced various innovative technologies, for example: 

• Implementation of T-Pulse Health, Safety, Security and Environment (HSSE) Monitoring System to ensure compliance with vital safety protocols. 
• Enhanced safety practices with Augmented and Virtual Reality Training, Video Analytics, Sustainability apps, E-learning courses, and Digitalization of Workforce Connectivity.
• Centralised Security Operations Centre (CSOC) utilises digital intelligence and data insights to enhance decision-making for security, traffic and road safety, and supply chain security functions.
• Real-time data monitoring facilitates end-to-end digital dashboards. For example, the Hot Spot Detection System at a coal yard uses thermal inspection to ensure safety.
• LED logo projectors are designed to illuminate safety signs on floors, ensuring a clear and prominent display of safety messages in low-light conditions, particularly in areas with dust accumulation and high vehicular traffic.

BALCO is also revered for the high precision production of value-added aluminium products that can have critical applications in commercial products. The company flaunts an array of high-end smelters and power plants with the help of which it envisions achieving innumerable applications of aluminium, most commonly known as the 'Metal of the Future', for its 100% recyclability.