At the main forum of the World Smart Manufacturing Conference held in Nanjing on February 7th, the Chinese Academy of Engineering released the "China's Smart Manufacturing Development Strategy Study" report. The report highlights that the integration of advanced manufacturing technologies with the next generation of information technology has become the core of a new technological revolution, driving Industry 4.0 and marking the fourth industrial revolution. As a latecomer, China is uniquely positioned to implement three generations of smart manufacturing in parallel, enabling it to overtake competitors and transition from a manufacturing giant to a true manufacturing powerhouse.
[Image: A high-speed rail and subway train model displayed at the event]
From digitization to intelligent implementation, the evolution of smart manufacturing is accelerating. The keynote speaker, Zhou Ji, President of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, emphasized that if digital and networked manufacturing marked the beginning of this industrial transformation, then the breakthroughs and widespread adoption of next-generation intelligent manufacturing will be its climax. He explained that smart manufacturing spans products, production, and services throughout their entire lifecycle, with both products and equipment expected to evolve from digital to intelligent over the next two decades, becoming a major driver of economic and social development.
According to Zhou Ji, smart manufacturing can be categorized into three stages: digital manufacturing, digital networked manufacturing, and digital networked intelligent manufacturing. Digital manufacturing involves automation through computer systems, while digital networked manufacturing connects people, data, and devices via the internet, enhancing collaboration and reshaping the value chain. The third stage, digital networked intelligent manufacturing, leverages artificial intelligence to enable machines to learn, adapt, and generate knowledge, leading to revolutionary improvements in efficiency and decision-making.
Zhou Ji described the difference between the generations: "First- and second-generation smart manufacturing is like 'giving someone a fish,' whereas third-generation is 'teaching them how to fish.' In the earlier stages, human perception and decision-making were replicated in information systems. Now, machines not only have strong analytical and control capabilities but also the ability to learn, improve, and create knowledge."
From following to leading, China is pushing for integrated development. While Western countries have undergone decades of digital upgrades, China is now at a critical stage of transitioning from a manufacturing nation to a manufacturing power. Experts suggest that by leveraging its position as a latecomer, China can integrate all three generations of smart manufacturing, creating a powerful new force in global industry.
With the rapid advancement of mobile internet, big data, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things, China has made significant strides in areas like AI and mobile internet. Kevin Ashton, the founder of the MIT Auto-ID Center, noted that China surpassed the U.S. as the top exporter of high-tech products in 2004. In the IoT era, China’s influence continues to grow, with innovative applications emerging first in China before spreading globally.
Looking ahead, Zhou Ji outlined a two-phase plan for China's smart manufacturing development. From now until 2025, the first phase will focus on promoting digital networked manufacturing nationwide, completing the digital transformation, and exploring new-generation smart manufacturing in key regions. By 2035, the goal is to widely implement intelligent manufacturing across industries, achieving a full-scale upgrade of China's manufacturing sector.
Smart manufacturing is transforming not just production, but also services. From smart products and production lines to intelligent services, it is reshaping daily life. Future innovations like smart cars and service robots are expected to become common. Consumers will have more personalized options, with products tailored to individual needs. In key sectors, intelligent motion control will showcase national strength, with China developing "industrial brains" in aerospace, rail transport, and marine equipment.
The shift from manufacturing to service-driven models is also evident. Companies like GE use custom production and real-time monitoring to reduce costs, while CRRC's "Fuxing" trains feature thousands of sensors that monitor operations and ensure safety. Over the next few years, China plans to expand intelligent teleservices in areas like wind energy and water meters.
Factories, workshops, and production lines are the frontlines of this transformation. At the conference, Gree’s Dong Mingzhu showcased robotic bands performing live, highlighting the company’s expansion into smart equipment and robotics. CRRC’s Liu Hualong emphasized that the "Fuxing" EMU meets 84% of the 254 key standards, representing a fully Chinese-designed and developed high-speed train. With initiatives like "Made in China 2025," China is investing heavily in intelligent manufacturing, developing trackless trains and autonomous transportation systems to shape the future of smart cities.
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