Uralchem outlines progress in AI-driven chemical industry solutions

Uralchem presented a series of artificial intelligence applications supporting its production, logistics and agronomic services at a forum on digital technologies in the chemical sector held in Moscow. The event, dedicated to the role of AI in the scientific and technological development of the industry, was organized by the Ministry of Industry and Trade together with the Federation Council, the Russian Academy of Sciences and the Russian Institute of Organic Chemistry.

Company representatives detailed how AI tools are being deployed across process optimization, corporate functions and support for fertilizer users. Particular attention was given to the Navigator IT platform, developed by Uralchem-Trans, the IT firm UralITech and Uralchem Holding. The system’s core module, IRFA, uses simulation modelling to allocate railcar fleets in line with production and sales plans, drawing on data sets covering cargo compatibility, operational standards, turnaround times and asset utilization priorities.

Dispatchers use the platform’s allocation results to coordinate rolling stock with production and commercial schedules. Additional modules manage locomotive movements, commercial railcar operations and data exchange with Russian Railways.

UralchemTrans is also testing a decentralized machine-vision system designed to identify railcars on plant tracks. The technology processes data on-site using edge computing hardware installed outdoors in sealed enclosures and is intended to further enhance the Navigator platform’s accuracy and responsiveness.

Konstantin Ivanov, Uralchem’s head of government relations, said the fully proprietary architecture of the project provides both operational and strategic advantages. According to the company, economic gains from the Navigator platform have reached about 10% of its total rolling stock management costs, covering a fleet of more than 22,000 railcars.