Human-cyber-physical system for production and operation decision optimization in smart steel plants

Based on the core developmental demands of smart steel manufacturing plants, this review analyzes the essential characteristics of the steel manufacturing process and its implications for production and operation decision optimization (PODO). A discussion on the potential application of technologies, including the Industrial Internet, big data, cloud computing, and 5G, in the PODO of smart steel plants based on the Industry 4.0 intelligent manufacturing and human-cyber-physical system (HCPS) is also presented. An adaptive update conception for a new dual-level cyber system (for management control and unit operation) of a flat-structured HCPS for steel plants is proposed to eliminate issues such as the hierarchical structure of the cyber system, the occurrence of data islands, and weak intelligence in PODO ability. Additionally, the review provided an in-depth analysis of the closed-loop decision logic of a dual-level HCPS. The critical technologies required for developing the HCPS model include data platforms and their associated application technologies, intelligent modeling, human-machine collaboration, and platform-based integration. Finally, suggestions are proposed to develop smart steel plants, including concept renewal, technological integration, and talent training.