Logistics, working environment, and information management in chemical analysis work in the steel industry (LIKA)

The project will be carried out between 2025 and 2028 with financial support from the Impact Innovation program Swedish Metals & Minerals – an initiative by the Swedish Energy Agency, Formas, and Vinnova.

A socio-technical study of laboratory analysis work in the steel industry.

The LIKA project focuses on the work carried out in the steel industry's analysis laboratories – an often overlooked but critical part of the industry's production chain. Through a socio-technical approach, the project will investigate and develop the interaction between people, technology, and organization in laboratory environments characterized by increasing automation and digitization. The goals will be achieved through researchers working together with the participating companies to map the current situation, conduct case studies, and co-create solution ideas that strengthen the work environment, logistics, and information management. The project contributes to the transition to a sustainable and resilient metal supply by creating opportunities to improve the working conditions of laboratory staff and ensuring that new technology is implemented in an inclusive and sustainable manner. The results will be useful not only for laboratory operations in the steel industry, but also in other industries with similar challenges.

Collaboration between the research group at LTU, SSAB Oxelösund, SSAB Borlänge, Outokumpu Avesta, Sandberg Analytical, and Jernkontoret.

The project will be carried out from August 18, 2025, to August 18, 2028. The focus is on sample logistics, information flows, and the working environment at laboratories for both chemical analysis and mechanical testing. The project includes the following activities and sub-studies:

• Benchmarking and literature review.
• Internal project conferences.
• In-depth case study at SSAB Oxelösund and supplementary analyses at several other laboratories.
• Development of concrete solution ideas and concepts that support technical efficiency, a better working environment, and improved information management.
• Co-creation with laboratory staff. And in collaboration with industry partners, etc.
• Communication of the results to industry and the research community – via reports, scientific articles, and popular science material.