CIVS Director Presents in Panel on AI’s Impact on the Steel Industry at AIST Leadership Conference
On November 19, CIVS Director Chenn Zhou participated in a panel discussion titled “Forging the Future: AI’s Impact on the Steel Industry — Realities, Trends and Lessons Learned” at the AIST Leadership Conference in Scottsdale, AZ. Prof. Zhou highlighted the critical role of academia–industry partnerships and emphasized the value of integrating AI with other advanced digital technologies. She showcased several CIVS & SMSVC projects which combine AI, simulation, and visualization to deliver physics-based and data-driven solutions to accelerate decision-making and improve steel manufacturing processes. Featured examples included the Integrated Virtual Blast Furnace (IVBF), Smart Ladle, a ChatBot for safety reports and analysis, and AI-driven hazard recognition for real-time monitoring.
This panel aims to bring together key stakeholders from across the steel industry, both solution providers and end-users, to explore the real-world application of Artificial Intelligence in steelmaking. Through an open and focused conversation, topics included success stories, emerging trends, implementation challenges, and the measurable benefits that AI has delivered across different parts of the value chain. The other panelists were Ed LaBruna (Janus Automation), Steffen Klawitter (Head of Digital Services Operations & Chief Architect, Siemens Digital Industries), Gianluca Maccani (CTO, Polytec NA), and Paul Thurber (SVP of Sales, Everguard.ai).
The AIST annual leadership conference is an invitation-only event. It is open to all Member Chapter officers, Technology Committee officers, Board of Director (BOD) members, BOD standing committee officers and the AIST Foundation Board of Trustees. The conference objective was to enhance the value of participation in AIST activities and provide resources to help attendees grow as leaders in the association and the steel industry.
