Built 3 Working AI Prototypes in 2 Days By Estonia's Largest Industrial Enterprise
2026-03-20 11:44
In September 2025, we ran our first AI workshop for VKG — a two-day session for top management, where executives explored AI tools, built their first prototypes, and identified strategic directions for AI adoption across the company.
The results created internal demand, and VKG came back with a new request. This time — to train a cross-functional team with a focus on building prototypes for specific production challenges. In two days, participants built three working tools: a machine operator training simulator, a production data dashboard, and a safety learning podcast system.
About the Company
Estonia's largest industrial enterprise and one of the world's biggest shale oil producers
Industry
Oil Shale Processing, Energy, Chemical Manufacturing
Business Type
B2B
Geography
Estonia (Kohtla-Järve)
Participants
Employees from multiple departments
The Challenges
VKG operates complex industrial processes — oil shale processing, energy generation, and chemical production.
Like many large industrial enterprises, the company faces common operational challenges:
Operator training relies on written documentation New operators study manuals before moving to real equipment. AI can complement this process with interactive tools for safely practicing different scenarios.
Production data accumulates in large Excel files Thousands of rows of machine performance data contain valuable information, but the spreadsheet format limits the speed of analysis. AI can make this data more visual and accessible.
Safety knowledge is stored in text-based reports Production incidents are thoroughly documented, but the written format limits how widely this information reaches across the organization. AI can help transform it into more accessible formats.
The Solution
We conducted a 2-day (14-hour) hands-on workshop led by the Founder and AI Expert at Pragmatiq AI.
Provided Services: AI Implementation Workshop
Hands-on AI tool demonstrations
Guided prototype development
Real-world use case implementation
Cross-functional team collaboration
Unlike a strategy session focused on analyzing and prioritizing use cases, this workshop had one goal: build something that works. Participants worked in teams, using AI tools to develop prototypes that solve real tasks from their daily operations.
Results
14 hours
Of hands-on, prototype-focused training
3 working prototypes
Built and demonstrated within 2 days
2nd engagement
VKG returned after the first workshop to train a new team
Prototypes
1Machine Operator Training Simulator
An interactive simulator for training production machine operators. The application visualizes a working machine with adjustable parameters — you can see in real time what happens when settings are changed incorrectly. In the worst case, the virtual machine explodes.
Why it matters: The simulator complements the existing training system by adding a safe environment to practice different scenarios. Mistakes in simulation become part of the learning process, not risks on the production floor.
2Production Data Dashboard
A participant took a large Excel file with thousands of rows of machine performance data and turned it into a visual dashboard. Instead of working with spreadsheets — charts and filters by machine, year, and other parameters.
Why it matters: Data that previously required significant time to process is now available in a clear visual format. Analysis that used to take hours now takes minutes.
3Safety Incident Learning Podcasts
At VKG, production incidents are thoroughly documented in internal reports. One participant proposed complementing the written reports with audio. Using AI, she created podcasts explaining what happened, why it happened, and how to avoid similar situations. AI generated the scripts, visuals, and a small application for hosting and listening to the episodes.
Why it matters: The audio format extends the reach — critical safety knowledge becomes available in a convenient format to a much wider audience within the company.
Key Insight
"The most valuable AI applications often aren't the ones that automate existing processes — they're the ones that change the approach entirely. A written safety report is complemented by a podcast. A spreadsheet becomes a visual dashboard. A paper manual becomes an interactive simulator."
What Made It Work
Building, not just analyzing Participants didn't just look for opportunities — they built working prototypes. Every team left with something they could demonstrate and develop further.
People from different departments Each team brought unique knowledge of their processes — which led to prototypes that solve real, specific challenges.
The scaling effect This was VKG's second workshop. The first trained leadership; the second brought AI to the operational teams. This is what real AI adoption looks like: leadership buys in first, then the rest of the organization follows.
Client Testimonials
Kaija Teemägi
HR Director, Viru Keemia Grupp
"Very practical and highly engaging learning. The trainer is demanding — making sure that real results are produced during the training."
Jekaterina Vassina
Training Specialist, Viru Keemia Grupp
"Excellent training! Practical, well-structured, and immediately applicable — exactly what AI training should be. Plenty of ideas that we are already applying in developing learning materials. Thank you for the inspiration and real value!"
Want to see how AI can solve your production challenges — in just two days?
We help industrial companies go from first ideas to working prototypes.