Artificial intelligence in metal processing

Metall Profil, one of the largest processors of coated steel in Russia and Central Asia, is integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into its operations. Maxim Lopatin, Marketing Director of Metall Profil, shared insights on the company’s AI applications during the conference “Galvanized and pre-painted products: Production and Consumption Trends,” held in Moscow on March 20 and attended by over 200 industry professionals.

According to Lopatin, AI fundamentally involves: “recognition, comprehension, and action”—processes rooted in the cognitive abilities of the human brain.

Specific AI mechanisms applied in industrial settings include: computer (or machine) vision, including video analytics, robotics (e.g., digital logs enabling virtual load testing to predict maintenance needs), speech recognition and synthesis, data analysis and reproduction, decision-making systems.

AI-driven speech recognition and synthesis tools currently handle around 10% of incoming customer calls. These systems also manage routine tasks such as conducting surveys, order status updates, and call routing.

However, the most critical application lies in predictive analytics based on decision-making. After years of experimentation, the company is nearing the implementation of AI for dynamic pricing and inventory management.

Lopatin emphasized that “not all AI solutions are suitable for industrial use.” He added: “It’s crucial to understand whom this may fit for. Competence isn’t just about what you adopt—it’s also about what you choose to reject.”