Robotics and the Future of Iron and Steel Mills and Ferroalloy Manufacturing
Overview
The future of iron and steel mills and ferroalloy manufacturing is increasingly converging with the exciting field of advanced robotics. As technology continues to evolve, it's predicted that the robotics revolution is set to transform these industries, optimizing efficiency, productivity, and safety. Statistics forecast a significant rise in robot installations in these sectors, whilst some research suggests that job vacancies for robots could steadily grow by up to 2% annually.
Robotics in Iron and Steel Production
It's estimated that approximately 50% of total worldwide robot installations are currently used in the automotive and metal industries, with this figure expected to rise as companies continue to automate their processes. Although traditionally, humans have performed most operations in steel mills, the ongoing development of advanced robotic technology is now making automation more feasible. Robots are increasingly used in iron and steel production due to their ability to operate in harsh, high-temperature environments, mitigate exposure to hazardous substances, and carry out repetitive tasks with precision.
Robotics in Ferroalloy Manufacturing
Ferroalloy manufacturing involves the use of molten metal, a process that poses significant risks to human operators. By introducing industrial robots, companies can mitigate these risks and enhance safety protocols. Research data shows that the use of robotics in the manufacturing environment can reduce accident rates by 50-70%. In addition to improving safety, robots also enhance productivity. Performing routine tasks without fatigue, robots can work non-stop, leading to significant boosts in production rates.
Adoption of Collaborative Robots (Cobots)
The introduction of collaborative robots or ‘cobots’ represents an exciting new development for these industries. Unlike conventional robots that operate separately from humans, cobots work alongside their human counterparts. This collaboration is especially useful in the iron, steel, and ferroalloy manufacturing sectors where heavy lifting and precision tasks are routinely required. Data predicts that by 2025, the global cobot market could be worth $12.3 billion, showcasing a potential shift towards this type of robotics technology.
Key Takeaways
- 50% of worldwide robot installations are currently in the automotive and metal industries, with notable growth in iron and steel production, and ferroalloy manufacturing.
- Use of robotics can lead to a reduction in accident rates by 50-70% in these high-risk industries.
- The global cobot market could reach $12.3 billion by 2025, demonstrating a significant trend towards collaborative robotics in these sectors.
Introducing 3Laws Robotics
At the intersection of automation and safety is 3Laws Robotics, dedicated to enhancing the reliability and safety of robotic systems. Through their innovative software, 3Laws Supervisor, they seek to tackle the challenge of certification one of the significant hurdles in the robotics industry, offering robust features and solid proof of system reliability.
Drawing on Control Barrier Functions technology developed at Caltech, 3Laws Supervisor ensures mathematically provable safety, giving it potential to streamline the certification process. Practical use cases of 3Laws technology span diverse sectors and applications. In warehouse automation, the company has achieved a 40% efficiency gain for an autonomous forklift customer, paving the way for a rapid 6-month payback period.
Further, the technology’s reactive collision avoidance capabilities make robots effective navigators in unpredictable surroundings, bolstering operational efficiency by minimizing downtime caused by unnecessary e-stops or collisions.
3Laws’ software is adaptable, suitable for various platforms, including mobile robots, cars, drones, and manipulators. With compatibility with popular robotics middleware like ROS and ROS2, 3Laws positions itself as a next-generation safety solution, going beyond e-stop methods to unlock the full potential of robotics. It offers proactive safety that can be safety certified for ISO 3691-4 and ISO 26262, readying the world for a robotics revolution in iron and steel production and ferroalloy manufacturing.