Development of PreSLump AI®
PreSLump AI® is a system well suited to the concrete production process. It is a cutting-edge DX technology in which AI analyzes the mixing of fresh concrete and predicts the slump value in real time.
Introduction
The construction industry is promoting the adoption of digital technologies to improve productivity in an effort to address challenges such as workforce shortages and work-style reform. At TAIHEIYO CEMENT, we have been engaged in development that leverages advanced technologies such as AI and sensor, and one result of these efforts is PreSLump AI® that we have developed. PreSLump AI® is a technology that predicts the slump of concrete in real time, contributing to ensuring consistent concrete quality and reducing the labor required for testing.
- PreSLump AI(R) is a registered trademark of Taiheiyo Cement Corporation.
Overview and Features
- A technology applied in various fields, including pattern recognition through image processing.
A neural network is a mathematical model inspired by the information transmission mechanisms of human brain’s nervous system, and is applied in various fields including pattern recognition. By training a neural network with a large volume of image data, AI can be built to perform classification and regression based on the features extracted from images.
Application Example
For PreSLump AI®, the following equipment is used in combination to build the system: analysis camera, AI-enabled slump prediction PC, character generator, and slump data entry tablet.
Analysis camera: Installed in a position that captures the inside of the mixer, in addition to the existing surveillance cameras, to capture images at an angle suitable for analysis.
AI-enabled slump prediction PC: Runs the AI model that has been constructed, and outputs predicted slump values.
Character generator: Overlays the predicted slump value onto the surveillance monitor display (Overlays predicted slump value on the video feed).
Slump input tablet: Inputting the results of slump test completes the collection of data required to build an AI.
Future Prospects
Field validation
Validation testing has been conducted at multiple ready-mixed concrete plants and concrete product plants; the results are shown in this chart. Measured concrete slump values and the slump values predicted by PreSLump AI® show close agreement. The system is capable of handling a wide range of concrete types, from stiff, low-slump concrete to highly flowable concrete.
Outlook
As workforce shortages at concrete manufacturing sites become increasingly severe, new technology development aimed at improving productivity is being actively pursued. TAIHEIYO CEMENT will continue developing new technologies that contribute to concrete manufacture and construction.
Inquiries
If you need any further information regarding the technology, please use this inquiry form to contact us.