AIMET – Conference on AI in Metallurgy: a successful first edition
Three days, seven themes, 28 speakers and more than 100 participants: the first edition of AIMET, the Conference on AI in Metallurgy, was a resounding success. For three days, artificial intelligence took centre stage as the driving force behind the transformation of metallurgy – from research to production.
An international audience in Mechelen
It was not only the number of attendees that impressed, but also their diversity. Participants travelled to Mechelen from Italy, Sweden, France, Spain, Great Britain, the Netherlands and, of course, Belgium. This proves that the demand for knowledge exchange on AI in metallurgy knows no borders – and that Flanders is a natural home for this conversation.
Seven themes, 28 speakers and engaging poster sessions
The programme was compact but rich. Over three days, seven themes were covered, presented by no fewer than 28 speakers from research and industry:
- Process & Production Optimization – hybrid AI-physics models, digital twins and real-time energy efficiency
- Alloy Development & Material Innovation – AI-driven alloy design, microstructure modelling and circular economy integration
- Quality Assurance & Safety – computer vision for defect detection, predictive maintenance and AI in non-destructive testing
- Data Infrastructure & Industrial IoT – seamless data integration, edge computing and strategies for “dirty data”
- Supply Chain Optimization – AI for procurement, logistics and resilience in volatile markets
- Environmental Compliance & Sustainability – AI solutions for emission reduction, regulatory compliance and carbon footprint optimization
- Future Perspectives & Innovation – generative AI for R&D, ethical AI and collaborative innovation models
The talks were complemented by poster sessions, where young researchers and companies presented their work and engaged directly with the audience. This very mix of talks and posters made AIMET – Conference on AI in Metallurgy a place where science and practice came together.
Networking in and around the conference
A conference does not come alive in the lecture hall alone. AIMET was framed by two side events that rounded off the experience perfectly.
FMV Aperitif
On Monday evening, some thirty participants headed to the Grote Markt in Mechelen for the FMV Aperitif. On a surprisingly sunny terrace, the first connections were made – informal, relaxed and with a local flavour.
Conference Dinner
On Tuesday evening, the tone was set during the Conference Dinner, where around fifty participants gathered around the table. Both moments proved ideal networking occasions: conversations that started in the lecture hall were given the space here to grow into new ideas, collaborations and contacts.
A strong Flemish and European metals sector on the global stage
The Flemish and European metals sector has made its choice: it moves forward, with AI and technological innovation as our core expertise. Conferences like AIMET prove that our region does not merely follow global trends – it helps set them. By bringing together the best of academia, research institutes and industry, AIMET strengthens our position on the global stage and shows that Flanders is a leading hub for smart, sustainable metallurgy.
Thank you to our partners
An event of this scale does not happen without the support of committed partners. We wholeheartedly thank our gold partners Sweco, Umicore, ePotentia and Bekaert, our silver partner the Flemish Supercomputer Center (VSC), and our bronze partner VITO / MateriNex. Their support made AIMET possible – and helped turn a first edition into an immediate success.
From strength to strength
The first edition of AIMET has shown that a genuine, international community is ready and waiting around AI in metallurgy. The feedback was unanimously positive, and the demand for more is high.
A second edition is definitely coming. As soon as the dates and location are confirmed, we will announce them. Keep an eye on our channels – anyone who experienced the first edition will not want to miss the second.