Robots to Take on Heavy Work at a Russian Metallurgical Plant
Automation of certain production processes has been constrained by harsh working conditions and high technical complexity.
Severstal Ventures, the venture fund of Severstal, has acquired a 25% stake in the Russian company Innovotekh.
The company specializes in developing Smart LR robotic systems designed for lining and shotcreting thermal units — including ladles, converters, and other equipment — used in the metallurgical industry.
No Analogues
As part of the deal, the robots will be deployed at the Cherepovets Steel Mill. This is expected to remove personnel from hazardous areas and ensure consistent quality of protective linings.
The transaction will also allow Innovotekh to expand its product portfolio and improve operational performance. Installation of the equipment is scheduled to be completed by 2027.
Ilya Pavlov, head of Severstal Ventures, said this is not the fund’s first investment in technology companies using robots in industrial production. According to him, specialists have not found lining technologies comparable to Innovotekh’s in other countries.
