Smart Forge - Sustainable production through AI controlled forging oven

Purpose and goal

The project´s objective is to create a prototype of an AI-based process control system that with high precision can autonomously control Bharat Forge Kilsta´s forging line in such a way that the steel rod temperature, just before forging, falls within the temperature range that optimizes the properties of the forged component. The direct purpose is to reduce scrap, which today is very costly and thus a major challenge for the company.

Expected results and effects

Expected results are primarily a sharp reduction in scrap, and expected effects include secured Swedish jobs, an increased rate of innovation in Swedish industry, as well as an increased interest in heavy process industry among young talents.

Planned approach and implementation

The project consists of two stages. In the first stage, historical data from the forging line is collected for initial analysis, at the same time as an edge computing system for collecting real-time data from the forging line is created. Modeling and simulation based on this data is done with the goal of creating an initial AI model for integration in the edge computing system. In the second stage, this integration is performed, and tests in the forging line are prepared and performed in an iterative process where the AI model is continuously improved upon.