Nanjing Iron & Steel deploys swarm-intelligence AI model

Nanjing Iron & Steel Co., Ltd. (NISCO) has commercially deployed the YuanYe Steel Large Model, described as the world’s first steel model powered by swarm intelligence. Developed in collaboration with Huawei and other ecosystem partners, the system integrates multiple AI models with metallurgical mechanism models to optimize various stages of production, including ironmaking, steelmaking, rolling, and quality inspection.

The implementation has led to significant operational improvements. NISCO has deployed over 300 AI models and 25 intelligent business agents, resulting in an annual cost reduction of approximately CNY 100 million (roughly US$15 million). Key technical achievements include reducing the new product development cycle by half and increasing the precision of temperature prediction in ironmaking to over 90% with a two-hour lead time.

In the rolling process, the AI model improved rolling force prediction accuracy from 88% to 98%. The system also reduced steel thickness error to 1.9%, a level the company considers internationally advanced. These technological integrations support an annual production capacity exceeding 2.5 million tons of steel plates while contributing to reduced energy consumption per unit of production.