Digitalization Applications Technology Committee Meeting

3–4 November 2025 • EVEN Austin Uptown near The Domain • Austin, TX, USA

►Agenda (PDF)
►Register or contact ldlugopolski@aist.org

Tour of Amazon AUS2 Fulfillment Center

Arrangements

EVEN Austin Uptown near The Domain
13205 Burnet Road Building #2
Austin, TX 78727

Reserve by 6 October for AIST Room Rate of $125 ($10 fee is removed at checkout) 

For reservations, book online  

AIST technology committee members are asked to print out the latest revised meeting agenda from our website one week prior to this meeting.

Monday 3 November

  1. Chair’s opening remarks - Kris Kent, Nucor Steel Arkansas      <08:00 a.m.>
  2. Appoint minute-taker
  3. Antitrust guidelines
  4. Membership and attendance
  5. Review minutes of previous meeting
  6. AIST Staff Announcements
  7. Steel Industry Fatalities
  8. Main agenda items
    • AISTech session development - Brad Morgan, Nucor Steel Arkansas & Chalapathy Devarakonda, Big River Steel
      • Selection of Abstracts (Due by 16 Sept) – (Handle via conference call if necessary)
      • Determine session structure (Due by 28 Oct) including session titles & session chairs
      • Review Papers Chair and Session Chair instructions
    • Solicit DATC Session Chairs for AISTech 2026
    • Finalize AISTech call for papers for next year

DIGITALIZATION APPLICATIONS
 Relevant topics include digitalization technologies in addition to traditional computer applications.  Digitalization technologies include applications of artificial intelligence, machine learning and advanced analytics, the use of digital twins, big data, cloud computing, augmented or virtual reality, the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), and other applications of digitalization technologies that advance or transform iron and steel processes.  Traditional computer applications include existing, new, and emerging uses of computers to control, monitor and interface steel manufacturing and processing; evolution of industrial control systems — hierarchies and mobile interfaces; modern control system technologies driving a safer workplace; the application of advanced process modeling and control; the impact of human factors and safety in process control (such as users, engineers and support personnel); manufacturing execution systems and business systems; network/wireless communications; automation planning and software development methodologies; database, data warehousing, data mining systems and predictive analytics; remediation of legacy automation systems; and cybersecurity for industrial control systems.

  • Technology committee award planning 
  1. AISTech 2026 DATC Best Paper Awards – To be finalized by November 2025
  2. Nominations for Board of Directors Level Awards—Distinguished Member and Fellow, Sendzimir Award, Fairless Award, and Steelmaker of the Year nominations

Nominations are due by 30 November. A brief biography of the nominee. A draft citation as to why your nominee would receive the award. The required number of endorsement letters for that particular award. The endorsement letters should be sent by e-mail, addressed to the AIST Awards and Recognition Program Committee, to nmattern@aist.org. More info: https://www.aist.org/about-aist/awards-recognition/board-of-directors-awards  

Technology Training conferences: 

  1. Automation and Controls Fundamentals, Indianapolis, IN. Co-located with Cold Rolling Seminar. Date 8-13 March 2026.

Website: https://www.aist.org/conferences-expositions/technology-training/system-automation-fundamentals

  1. Digital Transformation for the Steel Industry Forum, 13-14 October 2026, Sheraton, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

Website: https://www.aist.org/conferences-expositions/technology-training/digital-transformation-forum

Call for abstracts, please send your abstract to agauffin@aist.org

Organizing Committee:

Jamie Stewart, USS
Gaurav Malhotra, Nucor  
Bernard Chukwulebe, Arcelormittal
Nathan Settlemire, Chartersteel
Rob Oldroyd, Nucor 
Patrick Gallagher, MSA 
Mike Dudzic, former Arcelormittal 
Franck Adjogble, SMS Group Inc. 
Philip Woodward, Danieli
Yufeng Wang, SSAB  
Liwei Zhang, ArcelorMittal
James Hendrickson, NWI Automation

  1. Webinars Visit: https://www.aist.org/conference-expositions/webinars

"Change Management in Digital Transformation" 
 Request for Presentations, email agauffin@aist.org 

Discussion items
<meeting topic and presentations to be filled in by Committee Chair>

 Next meeting - Indianapolis, IN. Combine with Automation and Controls Fundamentals Meeting Date 8-13 March 2026.

Lunch in Meeting Room     <11:00 a.m.>

Tour of Amazon Facility     <12:30-2:30 p.m.>

Address: Amazon AUS2 Fulfillment Center
2000 E Pecan Street
Pflugerville, TX 78660
512-276-6180

RULES FOR SITE VISITS: 

  • Dress Code: 
    • Hair past shoulders must be pulled up
    • Closed toe shoes, preferably composite toe shoes;
  • Bags: Clear bags only on the warehouse floor
  • Phone/Camera:No phones out/ photos ONLY permitted with permission of tour guide
  • Amazon Fulfillment does not permit the following: 
    • Any of these shoe types: 
      • Open-toed shoes, backless shoes, slippers, clogs, moccasins, flip flops, “five finger” shoes with separated toes, roller-heeled shoes
      • Shoes with a platform or heel higher than 1.25 inches (wedges/wedged flats)
    • Attire with dangling or hanging items such as chains, drawstrings, scarves, or other articles that are unsafe
    • Pants that drag beyond the heel of the shoe
    • Any hood or hat that interferes with front or side vision
    • Headphones and ear buds - unless provided to you by Amazon
    • Sunglasses indoors
    • Excessively loose jewelry or body piercings that pose a safety hazard

Tuesday 4 November

  1. Presentations    <09:00 a.m.>
    1. TBD
    2. TBD
    3. TBD
    4. TBD
  2. Chair conclusion - Kris Kent, Nucor Steel Arkansas
  3. Adjourn      <Noon>