In a significant step towards embracing digital transformation and advancing sustainable steel production, SAIL, Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with M/s ABB India Ltd, a leading technology company known for its cutting-edge industrial automation and digital solutions. The MoU was signed by Mr. Biswaranjan Palai, ED (Works) and Mr. Kapil Agarwal, Senior Vice President & Local Division Manager, ABB in a programme organized at the ED (Works) Conference Hall on 20th May, 2025. Mr. Kaushik Sengupta, CGM (C&IT), Mr. Sumeet Kumar, CGM (Blast Furnace), Mr. M G Srikanth, CGM (SMS-2) and many other Senior Officers of RSP and M/S ABB India Ltd. were present on the occasion. RSP
Expressing happiness over the strategic partnership, Mr. Palai said, “Today is a milestone moment for both organizations. By combining RSP’s industry experience with ABB’s technological expertise, we are setting the stage for developing future-proof and sustainable steelmaking processes. The development of this digital twin technology will transform our steel manufacturing processes by providing us real-time insights into furnace operations, thereby enabling us to optimize our performance, improve product quality, increase asset longevity and remain competitive in the global market.”
Notably, this strategic collaboration marks the beginning of a research-oriented project focused on the development of Digital Twin technology for the Blast Furnace and Basic Oxygen Furnace at RSP. This initiative aligns with RSP’s broader vision of integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) into its production and maintenance processes. In today’s era of rapid digitalization, RSP is taking proactive measures to achieve greater efficiency, improve product quality, and ensure long-term sustainability. The implementation of Digital Twin technology is expected to revolutionize steel manufacturing by providing real-time insights into furnace operations. This will enable enhanced process optimization, asset longevity, and data-driven decision-making.
