InfraBuild drives innovation

How automation is improving safety at Sydney Rolling Mill

Innovation and safety go hand in hand at InfraBuild. At the Sydney Rolling Mill (SRM), a new robotic bundle tagging system is transforming how finished steel products are tagged, improving safety and efficiency.

For years, operators at SRM manually tagged steel bundles, a process that required them to enter exclusion zones and perform physically demanding tasks.

As Sharmy Francis, The Innovation Manager at InfraBuild explains, “While we have safety procedures in place to protect workers, we knew automating the tagging process would all but eliminate the risk.”

InfraBuild partnered with Green Project to install a robotic bundle tagging system. This high-tech solution automates the entire process—from printing and verifying tags to welding them securely onto the bundles. 

“This system has significantly reduced the need for operators to handle tags manually. The robot scans, prints, and attaches the tags with precision, ensuring every bundle is properly tagged without human intervention,” Sharmy said.

Safety First: Reducing Risks

The primary goal of the new system is prioritising worker well-being. By removing the need for operators to enter exclusion zones InfraBuild is all but eliminating the risk to our people. 

“The robot does all the heavy lifting, literally and figuratively,” Sharmy said.

Improved Efficiency and Traceability

In addition to safety, the system brings efficiency gains. Sharmy says the robot not only places the tags but also verifies the data on the tag matches the tracking system, ensuring that the right product reaches the right customer. 

“It’s a huge leap forward for traceability...We now have complete confidence that every tag is correct, which means fewer mistakes and better customer satisfaction.”

A Model for Future Sites

InfraBuild plans to expand this technology to other sites across Australia, making this project at SRM the first in a series of robotic solutions. 

“This is just the beginning…We’re excited to see how this technology and innovation will continue to improve safety and efficiency across our facilities,” Sharmy said.

With its new robotic tagging system, we are striving to lead the way in safety and innovation.