Chongqing - Chongqing is intensifying its efforts to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) with its manufacturing sector. Focused on key industries, the city is pushing for the deep integration of AI across the manufacturing process.

As part of its strategy, Chongqing aims to speed up the development of the intelligent connected new energy vehicle (NEV) industry. According to the Chongqing Municipal Commission of Economy and Informatization, the city’s automotive industry now includes 19 manufacturers and over 1,200 large-scale component suppliers, forming a comprehensive system. To achieve the goal of building a trillion-yuan automotive industry cluster, Chongqing is focusing on AI-enabled ecosystems for the automotive sector.

At Changan Digital Intelligence Factory, robotic arms with AI vision technology are performing operations on automotive components. (Photo/Changan)

Changan Digital Intelligence Factory in Chonqing Yubei applies 40 technologies, including digital parts: 5G and AI. With 12,000 production devices connected to a digital backbone, the factory automates key processes. A new intelligent NEV rolls off the production line every 60 seconds.

In the Seres Super Factory, located in Chongqing Liangjiang New Area, more than 1,600 smart terminals and 3,000 robots collaborate to automate the welding, spraying, and other production processes. According to the factory manager, AI-driven visual inspection technology enables the inspection of dozens of key points on a set of parts in just 10 seconds, ensuring reliable product quality.

Chongqing drives the upgrade of its smart terminal industry towards AI, with a focus on the development of AI computers. This kind of computer involves enhancing core hardware components, such as CPUs and GPUs, to make computers and other terminal products suitable for AI applications. From January to July 2025, the production of "Chongqing-made" AI computers reached 4.06 million units, capturing a 13% market share in China.

AI drives rapid growth in emerging industries such as intelligent connected NEV and intelligent electronics and boosts traditional industries' efficiency and quality. For instance, in steel production, AI has improved operations.

Previously, steelworkers had to stand near high-temperature furnaces to observe molten steel, a dangerous and time-consuming task. Now, through an AI monitoring platform developed by CISDI Info, operators in a control room can quickly identify anomalies with a 99.5% accuracy rate.

The development of AI in Chongqing is also attributed to government support. Over recent years, the city has introduced policies to foster the growth of the AI industry, offering support in areas such as industrial ecosystem development and talent acquisition.

According to Chongqing Municipal Commission of Economy and Informatization officials, the city has established a comprehensive AI ecosystem that includes R&D, algorithm design, hardware manufacturing, system integration, and application services.

With policy optimization, resource concentration, and the expansion of application scenarios, Chongqing has built 22 "AI + manufacturing" scenarios. The scale of the city's core and related AI industries is expected to surpass 200 billion yuan (USD 28.08 billion).

Chongqing is establishing several AI innovation platforms, promoting deep integration of industry, academia, and research. Notable examples include the Jialing River Laboratory, which focuses on cutting-edge AI technologies. These high-level research institutions are continuously fueling innovation within the AI industry.