Russian oil field workers may soon have a giant eye watching over them to help keep them safe from on-the-job accidents.

The eye is a software program called Cyclops, which combines artificial intelligence, machine learning and video systems to scan the environment looking for safety rule violations, proper use of safety gear and the presence of unauthorized personnel. Cyclops software uses existing surveillance cameras to gather visual information that it then analyzes, looking for infractions or whatever the workplace managers want to track.

Moscow-based NVI Solutions is developing the Cyclops system with support from Russia’s National Technological Initiative (NTI), a government program intended to boost development of high-tech industry. Neuronet, an NTI initiative, was specifically tasked with working with NVI Solutions.

Cyclops' initial outing will be in the oil industry. Several major Russian oil companies have put the system through its paces and given Cyclops a passing grade. Deployment is expected in 2020.

The development team expects the system will have broad applications, including general factory use, transport and logistics, farming, trading and merchandising, banking and general security. The system can also be deployed in drones.