“Transitioning from the traditional OEM/customer relationship to a partnership model that is quickly adaptable to evolving market dynamics will be key to promote advanced automation and robotics at scale in our industry,” said Polytec technology director Carlo Travaglini. 

In 2016, Polytec installed a sampling and measurement robot with 360° inspection cameras at Gerdau’s Petersburg, Va., USA, mill. 
More than 10 smart robots, technological packages and automation solutions followed, Polytec said. 

Working even more closely together will lead enhanced value for both companies, said Polytec USA chief executive Gianluca Maccani. 

“Our company has always been open to strategic collaborations as key factors for continuous improvement and growth. Gerdau management has demonstrated the foresight to follow the digital road map even during this tough time, as concrete and innovative projects will improve their production plants, safety and productivity.”