China’s AI-powered factories are driving the digital transformation of the manufacturing industry, marked by the rapid rise of "lighthouse factories," the world’s most advanced production facilities. This year, the World Economic Forum recognized 189 lighthouse factories worldwide, with an impressive 80 based in China. One of them is a chiller factory operated by Chinese home appliances maker Midea Group in southwest China’s Chongqing Municipality, which has leveraged AI technologies to streamline complex processes, and enhance design and planning efficiencies. The factory specializes in large central air conditioning systems, widely used in airports and industrial plants, with 80 percent of its products customized. To meet rising demand and the shift toward tailored orders, it integrates AI algorithms with its self-developed chiller selector data platform and smart management system, to optimize selection and design. According to Sam Luo, research and development director of Midea Building Technologies Chiller Product Company, once they know a client’s needs, they will input data into the system, which has significantly shortened product design time from at least a week to within an hour. "This boosts efficiency, reduces error rate, and makes it easier for standardized production later on," he added. Meanwhile, technicians use augmented reality (AR) […]
Click here to view original web page at www.bastillepost.com
