Switzerland-based Terra Quantum is collaborating with leading steel manufacturer POSCO Holdings to deploy quantum AI for optimizing steel production, specifically focusing on POSCO’s advanced blast furnaces.

The partners will demonstrate the potential of Quantum Neural Networks to enhance efficiency, targeting tangible outcomes such as reduced emissions and energy consumption.

POSCO has been digitizing its steelmaking process since 2016 and has been applying technologies such as big data, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things to its steelmaking operations.

This collaboration between Terra Quantum and POSCO Holdings will serve as a starting point for exploring the use of quantum computing, in steelmaking.

Steel manufacturing is a highly complex and energy-intensive endeavor. Current production processes use blast furnaces which are volatile and difficult to measure due to high temperatures/pressure conditions. Terra Quantum aims to increase the efficiency of these furnaces through time series prediction and end to end optimization. For the Proof of Concept (PoC), the solution will be deployed at a blast furnace in the Gwangyang Steelworks facility in South Korea, the largest steel mill in the world.

Gwangyang Steelworks

Utilizing deep tech quantum technologies in optimizing blast furnace operations, the initiative targets key areas such as Reducing Agent Rate (RAR) optimization where emissions and costs can be significantly reduced. The project will aim to produce better results than already advanced AI solutions developed by POSCO through utilizing Hybrid Quantum Neural Networks: a combination of classical state of the art AI with quantum layers.

Quantum machine learning’s ability to process complex datasets efficiently and superior accuracy will be instrumental in optimizing fuel usage and operational parameters, leading to less carbon output and greater overall efficiency in steel production.