Seoul – July 20, 2023 –

Enterprise AI service provider People and Technology Co., Ltd. (Co-CEOs Hong Sung-pyo and Lim Jin-soon) announced its selection as a joint research and development partner for the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy’s "Electronic Component Industry Technology Development Project" on July 18.

The project, officially titled “Development and Demonstration of Industrial IoT and Intelligent Systems for Metal and Steel Surface Quality Analysis and Improvement,” is spearheaded by stainless steel pipe manufacturer Sungwon Co., Ltd. in collaboration with Suncheon National University’s Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation and People and Technology.

Project Objectives

The project aims to digitize and optimize surface quality analysis knowledge using AI technologies to improve the scientific quality management of steel products. Core objectives include:

• Big data collection and analysis of surface quality information gathered on-site.
• Application of deep learning for defect detection and process optimization.

Key Development Roles for People and Technology

As a joint development partner, People and Technology will focus on:

1. AI Vision-Based Defect Detection Technology: Developing a system to identify surface defects.
2. Edge Deployment and AI Data Labeling Platform: Creating a semi-automated platform to enhance AI training data.

Project Timeline and Deliverables

The project, which began in April 2023 and will continue until December 31, 2025, is structured as follows:

• Year 1:
  • Design and prototype a real-time surface and welding quality analysis system.
  • Develop a semi-automated labeling system.
• Year 2:
  • Create and implement edge-based quality analysis models for practical applications.
  • Develop edge video analysis monitoring software.
  • Design a vision-based risk element analysis system.
• Year 3:
  • Finalize the edge-based risk analysis system.
  • Validate and enhance the real-time quality analysis system.
  • Complete the development and testing of video analysis monitoring software and the semi-automated labeling system.

Industry Impact and Potential

A People and Technology spokesperson stated:
"Despite its status as the backbone of Korea's manufacturing sector, the metal and steel industry has long been plagued by safety risks and reliance on manual quality assessments. This project represents a critical step toward leveraging data-driven and AI-based solutions to enhance productivity, reduce defects, and address labor challenges."

The spokesperson further emphasized that the initiative is expected to:

• Strengthen the competitiveness of Korea’s metal and steel industry.
• Create new employment opportunities.

About People and Technology

As a leading provider of IoT and AI-driven data solutions, People and Technology has been recognized by Gartner as a "Notable Global Vendor in the AIoT Field" since 2019. The company has established itself as a trusted partner for over 100 clients worldwide, delivering cutting-edge solutions tailored to industrial, healthcare, and smart city applications.