Heavy rolling mill automation proposal with utilization of digital image processing

The modern metallurgical industry characterized by increased requirements for quality, economy and efficiency of technological processes. Automation based on a systematic approach to problem solving, it focuses on improving technical means, increasing labor productivity and improving product quality. The ultimate goal is to create automatic systems, which operate without human intervention. The article contains a description of the current state of the heavy rolling mill and a proposal for the automation of its individual components. The main goal of the article is to show the use of a camera system and artificial intelligence in the automation of heavy industry processes. To automate the rolling process on a heavy rolling mill, a machine vision will be used with the help of a laser camera system with digital image processing on rolling wagons used for handling with a rolling bar. This is used for the transfer of the rolled bars between the individual stands and between the rolling calibers within the rolling mill stands. The intended automation of the operation follows the Industry 4.0 trend, which is beginning to inspire even these heavy operations. The concept of an automation system based on artificial intelligence and utilization of machine vision is in great demand and it is possible to expect the rapid development of these scientific fields. The article will also focus on issues, which prevents the use of standard commercial solutions. As part of the feasibility analysis, the conditions prevailing in profile rolling were analyzed. The biggest challenge was the presence of steam in the area of the rolling mill stand, which makes it impossible to precisely guide the rolled bars between the rolling calibers.