According to Danieli, the system will rely on artificial intelligence to optimize the flow of incoming slab and coordinate the movements of slab handling equipment, including 10 EOT cranes, seven transfer cars and two destackers. 

As Danieli explains: “The slab yard management system calculates the task for all operating equipment based on the forecast production mix submitted by the plant manufacturing execution system; optimizing the movements and the relocation of each slab; and thus in real time tuning the mission to the actual needs determined by the product mix and equipment status.”

Danieli said that with the system, Ternium will be able to reduce its slabyard workforce needs by around 80%, relying on human supervision only for the material arrival on trains and furnace charging.

“Worker safety in the slab yard is significantly improved, avoiding hazards related to human presence, and isolating machine operations within fenced units,” it said.

Ternium announced plans for the US$1.1 billion strip mill in 2017. The mill has a stated capacity of 3.7 million metric tons and is expected to be put into service next year.