Russian University Builds “Black Box” for Industrial Boilers
Researchers at St. Petersburg State University have created a digital recorder that logs and analyzes operator actions in boiler plants, helping prevent errors and accidents.
Engineers from the university’s Center for Artificial Intelligence and Data Science developed what they call a “black box” for industrial boiler systems, according to the portal Nauchnaya Rossiya.
The device tracks both personnel actions and equipment status—even during a complete power outage. It features temperature, vibration, current, and voltage sensors, three cameras, non-volatile memory, and microprocessors for real-time data analysis.
By detecting and preventing mistakes, the system can pinpoint the causes of malfunctions and improve the quality of setup and maintenance work. Its standout feature is the ability to establish cause-and-effect links between human actions and changes in equipment performance.
The prototype has already been tested, and a utility model has been patented. A predictive analytics test bench will be rolled out in 2025. Developers say the device could also be adapted for other equipment, from excavators to ATMs.
