Data Driven AI Solutions for Safer SA Workplaces & Healthcare

Using the digital economy as a blueprint for a safer South African workforce

Recognising this pressing need, the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) through investing in companies like Stone Three is working hard to drive innovation that leverages the power of data driven analytics and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to transform how South African industries and companies approach workplace safety, wellbeing and health.

By facilitating the adoption of these cutting-edge technologies, organisations can significantly enhance their hazard detection capabilities, mitigate risks and create safer working environments across core sectors such as mining and health.

Revolutionising workplace safety with the Internet of Things (IoT) and AI

The Internet of Things (IoT) is ushering in a new era of data driven safety. Innovations such as smart sensors and cameras can now vigilantly monitor workspaces, instantly alerting supervisors when an employee isn't wearing proper safety gear. This real-time analysis is significantly reducing accidents in high-risk industries.

The concept of the "connected worker" is gaining traction, with employees donning wearable devices like smart helmets and tracking bands. These devices do more than just monitor; they actively contribute to worker safety.

By leveraging real-time data, AI systems can provide data driven personalised safety advice, creating a proactive approach to accident prevention.

These technological advancements are not just improving safety statistics; they're changing the very culture of workplace safety.

As these innovations continue to evolve, they promise to create a safer, more productive economy that can compete on the global stage. Source

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Futureproofing South Africa's mining industry with AI and digital innovation

South Africa's mining industry, a cornerstone of the national economy, is facing complex challenges that are reshaping the sector globally.

The global energy transition is at the forefront, with investors calling for sustainable practices and heightened accountability. In this context, data driven digital transformation is essential for building a resilient, durable and sustainable mining sector in South Africa.

The mining industry is also facing a chronic labour shortage, adding to its challenges. With 86% of mining executives globally finding it increasingly difficult to recruit and retain necessary talent, this issue is likely to impact South Africa's mining sector as well.

Amidst these complexities, South African mining companies are striving to balance productivity and profitability with purpose. The Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) is supporting this effort by promoting the adoption of cloud-based platforms, the Internet of Things (IoT), mixed reality and more recently, generative AI.

Accelerating digital transformation in South African mining

South African mining companies are increasingly adopting data driven digital technologies to enable business agility, drive efficiency and accelerate innovation across the entire mining value chain.

Current trends emphasise broader goals such as corporate environmental, social and governance (ESG) targets and the transition to net-zero emissions.

The Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) is facilitating this transformation by investing and promoting solutions like advanced data platforms, which provide a single, flexible platform for databases, analytics, AI and data governance.

These tools are crucial for South African mining companies looking to enhance their digital capabilities and compete on a global scale. Source

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Stone Three: revolutionising African workplace health, safety and productivity through AI

Stone Three, an industrial 4.0 IoT company, is at the forefront of leveraging machine learning and AI to transform workplace productivity, health and safety across Africa.

Dirk Wagener, General Manager of People Productivity and Health at Stone Three, encapsulates their mission:

"Creating technology and services that not only matter to organisations but are able to make an actual difference is a big driving factor behind our success."

Innovative solutions for complex African environments

Stone Three specialises in addressing unique challenges faced by certain South African industries and the public sector:

Operational productivity:

• AI-augmented smart sensors for minerals processing, crucial for South Africa's mining sector
• Remote monitoring and diagnostics through SmartROCs, enabling efficient management of geographically dispersed operations
• Advanced Process Control (APC) for crushing, grinding, and flotation, optimizing processes in Africa's resource-rich mining industry

Health and safety:

• Telehealth solutions with app enabled technology for healthcare professionals to monitor the cardio and pulmonary health of employees, improving healthcare access in remote African locations
• Video Safety Analytics (VSA) and Digital Twins for employee monitoring, enhancing safety in high-risk African industrial environments
• Absenteeism and fatigue monitoring systems, addressing key challenges in workforce management

Pan-African and global impact

While Stone Three's solutions are implemented worldwide, they have a particular focus on addressing African challenges.

By specialising in industrial health and operational productivity in the mining sector, a vital sector for the South African economy, the company has developed deep domain expertise to address client-specific challenges across the country and continent.

The power of machine learning in the African context

By combining expert services with data driven machine learning, Stone Three aims to create safer, healthier and more productive work environments tailored to African needs.

Their AI-enabled, data driven machine vision systems solve complex real-time measurement problems unique to African industries, while their remote monitoring services provide crucial insights for operational optimisation in challenging African settings.

Stone Three's approach not only enhances productivity but also supports the industry's goal of Zero Harm, demonstrating how technology can significantly improve workplace conditions and efficiency when applied strategically to certain industrial challenges.

Wagener emphasises the importance of this approach in the African context:

"Africa is a booming continent; I consider it a privilege to be part of such a vibrant culture and economy. Our partners globally all face different problems based on location and/or infrastructure.

In today's 'digitally transformed' world, what can we do for our clients to ensure they remain productive even when the world throws pandemic-sized curveballs? Technology can change the game if being utilised in the correct way." Source

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