A group of researchers from the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) in Switzerland has announced the development of an innovative technology based on artificial intelligence, designed to reduce the environmental impact of the cement industry—one of the main contributors to global CO₂ emissions (around 8%, more than the entire aviation sector).
The core of the problem lies in the production of clinker, a key component of cement, which requires temperatures up to 1400 °C and releases CO₂ through energy consumption and chemical processes. The solution proposed by PSI is an advanced predictive model that uses artificial neural networks and genetic algorithms to simulate, in just milliseconds, the properties of various cement mixtures.
This technology not only accelerates the development of sustainable formulations but also allows to automatically generate new “recipes” based on environmental and performance goals. By reducing the need for extensive laboratory testing and promoting the use of alternative materials, artificial intelligence may contribute to a greener, more efficient, and smarter future for cement.
Massimo Serresi
