On March 6, Chen Zhilie, an NPC deputy and Chairman of the Guangdong Federation of Industry and Commerce, proposed that Guangdong prioritize AI-powered industrial manufacturing as a key driver of the province's future development, at the open day event of the Guangdong delegation in Beijing during China's ongoing third session of the 14th National People's Congress.

Guangdong has long been a manufacturing powerhouse, and its strength in artificial intelligence (AI) is accelerating industrial transformation. The province has ranked No. 1 in China for AI innovation capability for eight consecutive years and leads the country in AI-related patents. Additionally, one-third of all industrial robots in China are made in Guangdong, making it the top producer for four consecutive years. Currently, more than 50% of AI applications in the province are used in manufacturing, demonstrating the deep integration of AI with industry.

AI-driven industrial products contributing to Guangdong's economy

Chen, who is also the chairman of EVOC Intelligent, a leading high-tech company specializing in industrial computing, shared his entrepreneurial journey. He started his business with just 500 yuan (about $70) and grew it into China's largest industrial computing company, supplying advanced computing solutions for industries like transportation and renewable energy.

At the open-day event, Chen showcased EVOC's latest AI-powered barcode scanner, with prices ranging from 2,000 to 20,000 yuan ($280–$2,800), depending on AI processing capabilities. He emphasized that these AI-driven industrial products are contributing to Guangdong's economy by driving GDP growth, increasing tax revenue, and supporting high-end employment.

Need for stronger comprehensive AI-related policy support

Chen also pointed out challenges in integrating AI with manufacturing, such as the difficulty of scaling AI applications. To address this, he proposed making industrial AI a key focus area in Guangdong's development strategy. He emphasized the need for stronger policy support, particularly in AI-related hardware upgrades, software innovation, and industry collaboration, to accelerate the integration of AI into manufacturing.

Additionally, Chen advocated for the establishment of AI experience centers by leading companies. These centers would showcase cutting-edge AI applications in manufacturing, allowing businesses to witness firsthand how AI-driven solutions can enhance production efficiency, improve quality, and optimize operations. By providing a platform for real-world demonstrations, these centers could encourage wider AI adoption across the industry.

Furthermore, he stressed the importance of promoting AI adoption in manufacturing by helping manufacturing companies integrate AI into R&D, production, and sales. With targeted support, they could leverage AI to beef up the process of digital transformation. By accelerating AI-driven manufacturing, Guangdong can strengthen its position as China's leading AI innovation hub and become a global center for advanced manufacturing.