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With a diverse background in automation engineering and advanced industrial systems, combined with extensive experience across various sectors, Ioannis Kakogiannos brings a unique perspective to the DINAMINE project.

Currently based in Spain and representing Worldsensing, Yannis is at the forefront of integrating IoT technology into the mining industry to enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability.

From defining key system requirements to overseeing the development of smart databases, communication networks, and advanced analytics modules, his role is pivotal in shaping the future of mining operations.

Read on for Ioannis Kakogiannos insights into the work already completed, the exciting milestones ahead, and the transformative potential of IoT in the mining industry.

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Tell us about yourself 

I am originally from Greece, have lived in Luxembourg, and am currently based in Spain. With a background in automation engineering and an MSc in Advanced Industrial and Manufacturing Systems, my career has spanned various sectors, applying industrial automation across machinery, packaging, and public infrastructure. In recent years, I’ve moved into R&D as a Project Manager, a role that has allowed me to engage with advanced technologies like remote monitoring through IoT and collaborate with industry pioneers. At Worldsensing, we have a unique opportunity to impact the mining industry by enhancing safety and driving efficiency through remote monitoring solutions. Globally, aging civil infrastructure, such as dams, bridges, tunnels, and mines, presents growing risks, especially as natural disasters increase in frequency and intensity. We tackle these challenges head-on by providing IoT networks that deliver essential data to monitor large-scale infrastructure and prevent catastrophic failures. Guided by a mission to foster positive change, we leverage our IoT expertise to create a safer, smarter, and more resilient world for future generations. 

What inspires you about working on the DINAMINE project? Tell us about your role as a Work Package leader  

The mining sector is among the least digitalized industries, yet it plays a crucial role by supplying raw materials essential to a broad range of manufacturing. Through DINAMINE, our goal is to develop advanced technologies that will accelerate the transition toward a sustainable, future-ready mining industry, while also enhancing the sector’s economic and technical efficiency. This is truly inspiring when it comes to efficiency and wise use of resources. As a work package leader, I oversee progress in some of the most critical aspects of our projects, including: (i) developing the Integrated Smart Mine Planning and Management (ISM-PM) unit, which will acquire and share data across various modules; (ii) implementing IoT principles through WORLDSENSING’s communication network to sensorize both mining areas and production processes, providing real-time data to the ISM-PM; and (iii) introducing analytics and smart maintenance features to optimize production efficiency. This pallet of technologies to be developed is aimed to truly impact the operation of the mining sector and this is what inspires me the most to continue working in that direction. 

Can you walk us through the work already completed and planned in your Work Package? 

During the initial months of the project, our primary focus in WP1 was to define the comprehensive requirements for the systems to be developed and translate them into detailed, actionable specifications. This critical phase involved extensive collaboration among project partners to ensure that the requirements aligned with the overall project objectives and addressed the specific needs of the stakeholders. All the insights and inputs were consolidated into a single deliverable, serving as a cornerstone document to guide the subsequent development phases. In parallel, we dedicated significant efforts to designing and finalizing the architecture of the smart database and the various modules planned for development. This included a thorough analysis to define the critical parameters to be monitored, as well as the application of advanced smart maintenance techniques. Additionally, we identified the need for robust data analytics capabilities to enable real-time assessment of the mine’s current status and predictive analysis of its potential evolution, leveraging the data collected through the smart database. Now, after nearly two years, the project has reached a mature phase where key developments have advanced significantly. Currently, we are integrating the smart database with the various modules to ensure seamless interoperability. This stage also involves the installation of sensors for monitoring critical parameters, a pivotal step toward enhancing real-time data collection and system responsiveness. Furthermore, we also launched the smart maintenance module, a significant milestone that underscores the project’s readiness to deliver practical, innovative solutions. 

How do you envision the future of IoT in the mining industry?  

The future of IoT in mining will be transformative, driving safer, more efficient, and sustainable practices. IoT will enable real-time monitoring of hazardous conditions, with sensors and predictive analytics helping to prevent incidents and enhance worker safety. Automation and data analysis will streamline operations by connecting machinery and systems, optimizing resource allocation, and enabling dynamic scheduling for improved productivity and lower costs. Predictive maintenance through IoT will minimize downtime and reduce maintenance expenses by addressing issues proactively. Resource monitoring will support sustainability goals by tracking energy, water usage, and environmental impact, enabling companies to reduce their carbon footprint. IoT data integrated with advanced analytics will foster data-driven decision-making, adaptive planning, and effective risk management. IoT will also support remote-controlled and autonomous equipment, minimizing human presence in hazardous areas, while enabling precise environmental monitoring to ensure regulatory compliance and build community trust.  

What outcomes are you aiming for with DINAMINE?  

I aim DINAMINE to achieve outcomes that fundamentally transform the mining industry through digital innovation and sustainability. Specifically, I envision the development of cutting-edge tools that integrate real-time data from diverse sources into a seamless system for smarter mine planning, enhanced monitoring, and optimized operations. These solutions should enable significant gains in energy efficiency, improve decision-making precision, and reduce costs, ultimately driving the industry toward more sustainable practices. Ultimately, DINAMINE should establish a new standard for integrating digital tools to already established standards. The project’s outcomes will play a crucial role in preparing the industry for a sustainable and resilient future, aligning with broader EU goals for decarbonization and digital transformation.