Cementing autonomy – Monitoring, advanced control and AI optimization the steps on the way – presented by Bodil Recke, Global Business Unit Manager Cement at ABB at CarbonZero 2026. ABB is a Gold sponsor to this event.
This presentation explores how monitoring, advanced process control and AI optimization can improve cement plant efficiency and support lower-carbon production while maintaining product quality.
Connected process and laboratory data enable early detection of deviations and more informed operating decisions. ABB Expert Optimizer stabilizes production and optimizes energy use and throughput. Complementary AI-based strength predictions from alcemy can guide clinker content and fineness targets, connecting product quality with mill control.
Industrial examples illustrate reported improvements and distinguish demonstrated capabilities from the vision of more autonomous operations. The presentation outlines a phased approach based on reliable data, operator support and targeted pilots, with performance assessment guiding further deployment.
Bodil will also present at the Women in CemCo Congress on October 30 at the same venue: From Metrics to Meaning: My Personal Journey as a Woman in the Cement Industry
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) targets have become a common measure of progress across the cement, construction, and industrial sectors. Yet behind every metric lies a personal story that numbers alone cannot tell.
In this session, I will share my experiences working across different countries, cultures, and organizations in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Through real-life examples, I will reflect on the initiatives that successfully increased female participation and leadership, as well as those that failed to create lasting change. The discussion will explore the role of leadership, organizational culture, and local context in shaping opportunities for women, and highlight practical actions that make a genuine difference in attracting, developing, and retaining female talent.
Rather than focusing on statistics, this presentation brings a personal perspective to the conversation, demonstrating how meaningful progress occurs when organizations create environments where women can contribute, grow, and lead. Register now for this unique event dedicated to leadership and promoting women in the industry.
About the Speaker
Bodil Recke joined ABB in September 2024 and has over two decades of experience in the cement industry. With broad expertise in both operational efficiency and environmentally sustainable solutions, her career has evolved from focusing on cost reduction to addressing the urgent need for decarbonization in cement production.
Recke’s vision for the future emphasizes the critical role of collaboration across the value chain, ranging from cement production to concrete manufacturing and recycling. She believes that achieving significant progress in reducing CO2 emissions will require a diverse set of solutions tailored to local contexts, including raw materials, green energy sources, and digital automation.
Passionate about contributing to a more sustainable world, Recke sees her role at ABB as a unique opportunity to drive environmentally friendly innovations that support the cement industry’s journey toward net-zero emissions. Her work not only aims to reduce the environmental footprint of cement products but also ensures that the industry continues to meet the global demand for infrastructure, improving the quality of life for people across the globe.
