Chengdu Hosts Third Steel Industry Digitalization and Informatization Conference

The third Steel Industry Digitalization and Informatization Conference took place in Chengdu from October 21 to 23, 2026, bringing together more than 100 industry representatives. Guided by the China Iron and Steel Association, the event was jointly organized by the Metallurgical Industry Information Center and Sichuan Metallurgical Control Group.

Figures presented at the conference put platform adoption in the steel industry above 95% and equipment digitalization above 85%. The event also reported breakthroughs in large AI model applications, while Sichuan Metallurgical Control Group introduced its “1+9” industrial internet platform for digital and intelligent operations.

The adoption figures suggest that digital platforms and digitalized equipment have established a broad presence across the industry. Their operational value, however, depends on how effectively equipment data and platform functions support production decisions. High adoption alone does not establish improvements in productivity, product quality or operating costs.

For steel producers, a practical question raised by these figures is how well existing systems work together. Connecting equipment data with operational workflows could help turn digital infrastructure into more useful support for production management. The “1+9” platform presentation brings this integration question into focus, although the platform designation alone does not establish its functions or operating results.

The reported progress in large AI model applications adds another area to watch. Its significance for steelmaking will depend on the tasks these models can perform reliably and whether their use delivers measurable operational gains. Further details on application scope, performance and integration with production systems would help show how far the reported breakthroughs can translate into routine industrial use.