Japan: JFE Steel launches AI-powered scrap inspection system, begins external sales
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- AI system automatessteel scrap grade inspection, impurity identification
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- Sendai plant begins commercial deployment of new system in Jun’26
Japan Metal Daily/Steel Daily: JFE Steel has commercialised an artificial intelligence (AI)-based steel scrap inspection system designed to improve grading accuracy and streamline scrap acceptance processes at steel plants. The solution, branded “Resolas,” was introduced at the company’s Sendai Works, an electric arc furnace (EAF) facility producing special steel bars and wire rods, and began commercial operation in June.
The AI-powered system replaces conventional visual inspections by automatically analysing images of scrap delivered on trucks. It identifies scrap grades and detects foreign materials, enabling more consistent and accurate inspection while reducing reliance on manual assessments. The technology was installed at the Sendai facility in April for trial operations before being fully commercialised after demonstrating high inspection accuracy.
In addition to deploying the system internally, JFE Steel has started offering Resolas to scrap processors and recyclers as part of its manufacturing solutions business. The company also plans to expand the technology across its regional steelworks and electric furnace subsidiaries.
Traditionally, scrap inspection has relied heavily on experienced workers, resulting in labour-intensive operations and inconsistent grading standards. By digitising the inspection process, JFE Steel aims to improve operational efficiency, standardise quality assessments, and build a database of scrap characteristics that can support production planning and quality control.
The commercialisation of AI-based scrap inspection reflects the steel industry’s growing focus on digitalisation and raw material quality management. As electric arc furnace steelmaking expands globally, accurate scrap grading has become increasingly important for improving melt efficiency, reducing contamination, and producing higher-quality steel.
This article has been published in accordance with a content exchange agreement between Japan Metal Daily/Steel Daily and BigMint.
