Exploring AI Innovations in China

How can intelligent technology empower industrial upgrades? How does “AI +” open new spaces for industrial development? In China, an emerging innovation hub, a vibrant scene is unfolding where Chinese and foreign enterprises accelerate the application of artificial intelligence across various scenarios, integrating it into the future industrial landscape.

At the recent Siemens First Technology Conference held in Beijing, a wave of enthusiasm for the synergy between artificial intelligence and industry was palpable. From industrial AI and digital twins to embodied intelligence, each technology was tangible and engaging. Entering the conference’s technology exhibition area, attendees experienced an immersive glimpse into the future of industry: enjoying the fun of a claw machine while using Siemens’ intelligent monitoring assistant OWL to understand how AI algorithms identify targets, plan paths, and execute tasks precisely.

In Shouguang City, known as the “vegetable capital” of Shandong, the use of AI in greenhouse farming has significantly improved labor productivity. With sensors for temperature, light, water, and nutrients installed in the greenhouses, planting data can be transmitted in real-time to screens. Local grower Yin Jinhua noted that manual operation is no longer necessary; he can control the greenhouse remotely using his smartphone.

From April 20 to May 30, the 27th China (Shouguang) International Vegetable Technology Expo was held at the Shouguang High-tech Demonstration Garden. The all-weather field environment control equipment showcased at the expo demonstrates the advancements in agricultural technology.

What sparks innovation when AI algorithms meet seed research and development? Cheng Lin, director of the Shouguang Vegetable Seed Industry Group’s R&D center, leads a team to establish and improve an AI breeding acceleration warehouse, utilizing big data platforms combined with AI for predictive breeding. She explained that with sufficient data, it is possible to predict gene functions, understand market preferences, and even anticipate potential diseases for proactive prevention.

AI applications are not limited to agriculture; they are also accelerating in transportation. In the Zhengzhou Economic Development Zone, a cute, smart, connected electric bus named “Xiao Yu” passed by the reporters. Without a steering wheel or manual operation, “Xiao Yu” can autonomously overtake, avoid obstacles, park, and charge. Currently, “Xiao Yu” has been put into operation in cities like Zhengzhou, Guangzhou, Chongqing, and Beijing.

On March 30, workers operated on the production line at Yutong’s new energy vehicle factory. Wang Kun, deputy general manager of Yutong’s Deep Blue Power, stated that in addition to “Xiao Yu,” the company’s management platform “Anruitong” is also leveraging AI to enhance operational efficiency. This vehicle networking system assists fleets in intelligent operation management, monitoring vehicle travel trajectories, energy consumption data, and dangerous driving behaviors, while automatically generating daily reports to support efficient fleet operations.

At the smart dispatch center of the Zhoukou Port of the Henan Port and Shipping Group, every vehicle entry and exit, cargo stacking, and ship docking relies on the center’s “brain” for intelligent judgment. Previously, unloading a container required at least 3 to 5 people working together; now, one operator can control the loading of a ship remotely using just two small handles. The reporters also observed a cockpit for an unmanned container truck, where operators could remotely control the vehicle.

This scene of Chinese and foreign enterprises accelerating the integration of AI into reality is supported by China’s vast market space and open innovation ecosystem. From the State Council’s implementation of the “AI +” action plan to the 14th Five-Year Plan’s emphasis on fully promoting intelligent technology empowerment, AI is becoming a “key variable” for China’s high-quality economic development.

By 2025, China’s core AI industry scale is expected to exceed 1.2 trillion yuan, with over 6,200 companies. Chinese enterprises lead the world in the download volume of open-source large models, significantly lowering the barriers to AI usage. As of the end of last year, the application rate of AI technology among large-scale manufacturing enterprises in China exceeded 30%, greatly enhancing quality and efficiency in design, manufacturing, and quality inspection.

As Siemens’ Chairman of the Board, Roland Busch, stated, China is not only a key market but also one of the world’s important innovation centers for AI. Siemens chose to hold its first technology conference in China because many innovations first occur here, making it a primary market for launching new technologies.

An open and innovative China is providing a collaborative and win-win ecosystem for Chinese and foreign enterprises to jointly draw a new picture of “AI +,” continuously adding new momentum to its economic development and expanding new spaces for global economic growth.