Automation to autonomy in cement manufacture: a conceptual outline

Over the decades the large-scale manufacturing of cement has been highly instrumented, automated, and digitalized. Yet the industry is facing severe future challenges due to the colossal demands, pressure of remaining competitive, and sustaining the environment. To overcome the barriers and hindrances, the industry has to prepare itself for adopting extensively AI-assisted advanced process control systems capable of undertaking autonomous operations. The article attempts to present the conceptual outline of the transition from automation to autonomy.