Chongqing - In a state-of-the-art facility located in the Nan’an District of Chongqing, assembling a 50-ton central air conditioner takes just one week. At Chongqing Midea General Refrigeration Equipment Co., Ltd., precision robotic arms, self-driving vehicles, and fully automated assembly lines work seamlessly to produce these massive cooling systems, setting a new standard for intelligent manufacturing.

Recently recognized as one of Chongqing’s first “Advanced Smart Factories,” this facility is a model of technological innovation. But what makes it so exceptional?

Production Line of Chongqing Midea's "Smart Factory for Central Air Conditioning Chillers." (Photo/Mei Yao)

Smart technology drives domestic innovation  

At the heart of the factory lies its Smart Operations Center, a giant curved screen displaying real-time data on safety, production, and energy management. According to Huang Xuesong, the factory’s director, the centralized system allows for immediate monitoring and control. "We can instantly check if workers are wearing safety helmets or if production processes are following protocols," Huang explains.

Founded in 2004, Chongqing Midea specializes in water-cooled centrifugal central air conditioners - large, energy-efficient systems used in airports, shopping malls, and industrial parks. The factory has produced equipment for major projects like Beijing Daxing International Airport and the Changan Auto Global R&D Center.

Previously reliant on expensive foreign software for product design, the company broke new ground by developing its own software for system design, a first in the domestic market.

AI-driven manufacturing  

The factory’s technological leap is powered by an advanced smart manufacturing system. Huang highlighted key upgrades in quality control, flexible manufacturing, and digital transformation.

In quality management, the factory uses automated detection and smart monitoring systems to achieve precise control, enabling rapid responses and full traceability. For production, a flexible system integrates people, equipment, materials, and processes, allowing for the simultaneous production of multiple products.

"Thanks to digitalization, production line switches that used to take hours are now completed with just one click," said Huang. This cloud-based control system significantly reduces setup times and increases efficiency.

AI is integrated throughout the production cycle, from custom design to after-sales service. Intelligent design tools have improved process efficiency by 90%, cut on-site design issues by 50%, and ensured 100% quality control coverage. Smart scheduling and digital twin technology optimize production logistics, reducing costs by 20% and boosting inventory turnover by 15%.

Leading the way in clean energy and carbon reduction  

Sustainability is another key focus at the Chongqing Midea factory. Spanning over 300 mu (20 hectares), the facility incorporates clean energy solutions such as solar-powered streetlights, which generate 5,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity annually.

As Midea’s first carbon-neutral smart factory, it utilizes a 3 MW distributed photovoltaic system, producing 2.3 million kilowatt-hours of energy annually. A 1 MW storage system ensures a reliable supply of green energy even in low-sunlight conditions. These efforts reduce carbon emissions by more than 1,900 tons per year.

Inside the office building, upgraded evaporative cooling air conditioners enhance efficiency, cutting energy consumption by nearly 60% and saving 120,000 kilowatt-hours annually.

By combining technological innovation, AI-driven manufacturing, and sustainable practices, Chongqing Midea’s factory exemplifies how digitalization and clean energy can drive efficiency, lower costs, and protect the environment. Its success story highlights how smart manufacturing is reshaping industries and supporting local economies.

(Xia Yuan, and Mei Yao, reporters from Chongqing Daily, contributed the Chinese version of this report.)