Historic milestone ushers in new era of automation, safety and productivity in Indian steelmaking
Gurugram, October 15, 2025: RHI Magnesita, the leading manufacturer and supplier of high-grade refractory products, systems, and solutions, has made history by commissioning India’s first-ever robotics system for caster operations at JSW Vijayanagar Metallics Limited (JVML), a wholly owned subsidiary of JSW Steel Limited in Toranagallu, Bellary, Karnataka. This breakthrough marks a defining moment in Indian steel manufacturing, introducing advanced automation to one of the most critical stages of steel production.
Part of RHI Magnesita’s holistic 4PRO solution, anchored in Performance, Partnership, People and Planet, the first ever robot installed in any Indian steel plant for caster job is designed to handle 350-ton heat-size ladles and perform essential operations, including ladle shroud change, powder feeding in the tundish, temperature measurement, tundish sampling, and probing. Equipped with the latest generation SX3 slide gate system, EMLI LadleSlag sensors, and robotic cells on the Continuous Casting Machine (CCM), the system automates critical casting processes, enhancing efficiency, safety, and quality. The technology removes direct human exposure to molten metal, extreme heat and hazardous fumes, setting new safety benchmarks in the industry. It operates continuously without fatigue, optimizes cycle times, and ensures consistent quality with minimal defects and reduced material wastage.
Parmod Sagar, Chairman, MD & CEO of RHI Magnesita India Ltd., said, “This achievement represents a new chapter for the Indian steel industry. By combining our refractory expertise with our 4PRO solutions model, we are setting new benchmarks in innovation, efficiency, safety, and product quality for the industry.”
In addition to safety and productivity gains, the robotics caster delivers substantial cost savings through reduced scrap generation and minimal rework. Its adaptable programming allows it to perform varied casting operations, while integrated sensors and vision systems enable real-time quality monitoring and early defect detection.
Sanjay Sharma, EVP – Steel, LCP, DRI & RED, JSW Steel Limited, Vijayanagar Works added, “The commissioning of India’s first robotic caster at our facility reflects our commitment to technological leadership and operational excellence. Partnering with RHI Magnesita has enabled us to integrate advanced automation into our casting process, significantly improving safety, productivity, and product consistency.”
The commissioning of India’s first robotic caster reinforces RHI Magnesita’s position as the leading technology provider in the Indian refractory industry, underscoring its commitment to delivering future-ready, customer-centric solutions that set new industry standards.
