Primetals Technologies introduces Central Operation Cockpit (COC) for full production process oversight.
Primetals Technologies has developed a highly innovative control system – the Central Operation Cockpit (COC) – which enables the management of an entire plant from a single location. The operator is supported by numerous intelligent, AI-powered assistant systems to gain a comprehensive bird's-eye view of the entire production process.
Towards Autonomous Production at thyssenkrupp Steel
thyssenkrupp Steel has recently taken a major step towards autonomous production by commissioning Primetals Technologies to implement the COC concept at its hot-strip mill No. 1 in Duisburg. In the first project phase, which lasted until the end of March 2024, thyssenkrupp Steel and Primetals Technologies developed an operational concept for the COC system, tailored to thyssenkrupp Steel’s current and future needs. The project is now in its second phase, the implementation of the system, which is expected to be completed by early 2025.
Controlling Multiple Plant Sections
Steel producers are currently looking for ways to reduce manual interventions in the production process to increase productivity and improve product quality. However, more automation systems can lead to more complex monitoring processes. To address this challenge, Primetals Technologies has developed the COC.
With this new concept, a single operator can control multiple plant sections through a highly intuitive interface. A large display wall provides all necessary information and can instantly switch between various cameras deployed throughout the plant. This is especially useful if one of the many assistant systems detects a potential issue requiring immediate attention or if pre-defined events occur. The COC comes equipped with a user-friendly configuration tool, allowing steel producers to easily adapt the cockpit to changing needs without risking information overload.
Highly Customizable Display Wall
The user-friendly interface is backed by the intelligent video management system SynX Supervision, developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in close collaboration with Primetals Technologies. The display wall is highly customizable: for instance, the operator can assign specific screens to individual assistant systems or plant areas.
The COC integrates a variety of digital assistant systems, ensuring operators have all the information they need to run the plant efficiently. One example is the Ski Assistant – developed by Primetals Technologies – which alerts operators to potential issues during production. Thanks to seamless integration into the COC, operators can quickly act on insights provided by these assistant systems.
Climate-Neutral Steel by 2045
thyssenkrupp Steel employs 26,000 people and has an annual production capacity of approximately 11 million tons of crude steel. The leading German steel producer aims to reduce CO2 emissions by more than 30% by 2030 and to produce climate-neutral steel by 2045. This strategy includes both direct and indirect emissions from purchased energy.
