a powder feeder for continuous casting is provided with a powder container for storing casting powder in the final stage prior to being supplied onto a molten steel surface , and a spreading feeder for spreading the casting powder on the molten steel surface in a mold . the powder container is arranged above the head of an operator in the operator work area , the spreading feeder is supported and manipulated by a robot arm , and powder is supplied to the spreading feeder from the discharge port of the powder container through a flexible transfer path which can follow the movement of the robot arm .