“Smart manufacturing” speeds up in China

https://j.people.com.cn/n3/2026/0224/c94476-20427832.html

In 2024, six government agencies jointly implemented a phased development action for smart factories.

An example of a smart factory is Ningbo Steel’s Future Factory. Factory staff monitors every move in the factory area in real time through a control platform. According to a company representative, the factory currently features more than 20 high-value-added scenarios, including the embodied AI patrol inspection robot “Ningxiaotie,” the integration of R&D and production, and AI-powered scrap iron grading. The application of new technologies has reduced the company’s development time by 30%, increased productivity per employee by 18%, and increased energy utilization by 12%.

In Qingdao, Haier Central Air Conditioning Co., Ltd., an air conditioner manufacturer under Haier, is among the top group in the home appliance industry in terms of smartness. According to Haier staff, the factory’s smartness is primarily embodied in customization and integration. AI-related technologies enable it to meet user needs and support intelligent model selection, supply chain coordination, automated production planning, and intelligent production line adjustment.

Beijing aims to become a “global AI top city” and plans to build a humanoid robot pilot production platform and smart factories.

Shanghai has launched an “AI + manufacturing” empowerment action, promoting smart factory development for all major companies by 2028 and aiming for a robot density of 600 robots per 10,000 factory workers.

Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, is focusing on the goal of “doubling industrial added value by 2035,” promoting the “dual-industry integration” of advanced manufacturing and modern services, as well as the “double transformation” of industrial smartification and greening.

A new picture of China’s “smart manufacturing” is rapidly emerging, encompassing technology development, practical application, and industrial clusters.

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