Russula leads research project to create plug & produce system to streamline steel operations
Russula is leading a research project to develop new integrated technologies for hot rolling mills.
As globalization redefines the business landscape, the steel industry is undergoing a transformation. A shift of production and consumption to emerging markets, increased volatility in raw material prices and continual changes in end-customer requirements all contribute to making steel a cyclical industry. As a result, changes in GDP have a disproportionally high impact on steel demand. Flexibility and focused innovation are more important than ever for a steel producer to thrive in today´s, modern, dynamic steel market.
In response to market needs, Russula is leading a research project named TINTIN in collaboration with a consortium of three companies, the AIMEN Technology Center and the CDTI (Centro para el Desarrollo Tecnológico Industrial). The aim of the project is to develop new tools and technologies for the autonomous control and quick reconfiguration of hot rolling mill manufacturing systems, developing automated and robotic systems capable of self-adjustment, correction and process control of individual machines, using online monitoring systems based on computer vision. Using a Plug & Produce system, a steel producer will be able to streamline its operations through the rapid reconfiguration of machines and robots from the plant management level, MES systems.
The main technological objectives of the TINTIN research project are focused on key European technologies:
- Reconfiguring mechanisms, machinery and robots. Plug & Produce.
- Development of monitoring computer vision based technologies for on-line control of hot rolled product. Monitoring and control applied to zero defects.
- Integration of production and system monitoring technologies in the global production system.
Besides Russula, the consortium consists of Celsa Atlantic, a leading European corrugated bars and wire producer and Nodosafer, a company dedicated to the development of robotic systems. The AIMEN Technology Center will be supporting the initiative with its vast experience in promoting and executing R&D&i projects and the computer vision, control automation and robotics technologies. The TINTIN project has been supported by the CDTI, the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness and the European Regional Development Fund ERDF within the Operational Programme.
