POSCO introduces autonomous locomotive 'Rhino'... implementing automation of molten iron transport

The molten iron transport process within POSCO steelworks is being automated through autonomous driving technology. It is evaluated that the coupling and transport tasks, which previously required direct human assistance, have become more precise and safer with the introduction of autonomous locomotives.

Autonomous coupling without centimeter errors and intelligent driving

According to a POSCO Studio video, the autonomous locomotive 'Rhino' is operating at the Gwangyang Steelworks, transporting Torpedo Cars containing molten iron that reaches temperatures of 1,500°C. The core capability of this locomotive is its precise autonomous coupling technology. The task of connecting with the Torpedo Car, which required direct human intervention in the past, is now performed by Rhino itself by measuring the distance with no error in centimeter (cm) units.

The driving method is also intelligent. Rhino moves upon receiving signals from the control room and independently complies with speed limits for each section. It adjusts its driving pattern according to the environment, such as lowering its speed in sections where people and vehicles pass each other and increasing its speed in sections without obstacles. Although a person sits in the driver's cab to prepare for any contingencies, the level of autonomous driving completion is high enough that they can take their hands off the actual steering wheel and monitor the system via a tablet.

Safe operation system combining AI CCTV and 'Smart Eyes'

Supporting the safety of the autonomous driving are multiple sensors and AI technology. The video explains a structure where Rhino scans all directions through multiple 'Smart Eyes,' and CCTVs equipped with AI technology detect risk factors and transmit information to the locomotive in real time. Through this, bottlenecks or safety accidents that may occur within the steelworks are prevented in advance.

Changes are also appearing in terms of process efficiency. When Rhino arrives near the steelmaking plant, it does not merely pull the Torpedo Car. Depending on the characteristics of the process, it performs the action of pushing the Torpedo Car from behind to align it accurately with the inlet, and after the work is completed, it even takes charge of emptying the Torpedo Car for the next process. Thanks to this automation, an environment has been created where field workers can break away from simple repetitive transport tasks and focus on more valuable process management.