Chongqing - With the 19th Meeting of the Chongqing Mayor’s International Economic Advisory Council (CMIA) set for Sept. 25–26, city leaders have highlighted artificial intelligence (AI) as a key driver of technological and industrial transformation.
Chongqing has long been recognized for its strengths in automotive, electronics, and equipment manufacturing. However, with the rise of AI, the city is now transitioning from "Chongqing manufacturing" to "Chongqing intelligent manufacturing."
A key example of this transformation is the SERES Super Factory in Chongqing Liangjiang New Area, which has been described as a global benchmark for smart manufacturing. The factory employs over 300 AI-powered inspection points, enabling fully automated quality checks on hundreds of critical processes.
Notably, AI is used to inspect over 100 bolts in a car's chassis with 99.9% accuracy. This level of automation is central to the factory's ability to maintain high standards of precision and efficiency.
SERES Super Factory is located in Chongqing Liangjiang New Area. (Photo/Wang Jiaxi)
AI is also expanding beyond the automotive sector in Chongqing. In industries like electronics, motorcycles, equipment manufacturing, and energy chemicals, AI is being applied to optimize processes such as order analysis, warehousing, and equipment monitoring.
Ye Lina, Deputy Director of the Chongqing Municipal Commission of Commerce and Deputy Secretary-General of the Secretariat of the CMIA, highlighted that AI is enhancing every part of the production chain, from research and design to manufacturing and marketing, which will significantly improve the city's overall productivity.
Chongqing's complex urban and rural landscape has created unique challenges in city governance, but AI is offering solutions. In Jiangbei District Dashiba Subdistrict, a subdistrict with 120,000 residents, an AI-powered "extreme weather response system" monitors potential risks like flooding and structural damage. The system has significantly improved disaster response and resource management.
The city has also integrated AI into its broader urban infrastructure. Chongqing now operates a three-tier governance system, collecting data from over 10 million sensors to monitor 230,000 risk points and 110,000 kilometers of underground pipelines. AI, along with 5G and big data, is helping streamline city management, improving response times and resource allocation.
In traffic management, Chongqing has implemented a Smart Traffic Management system that aggregates data from 14 different departments. This system has reduced congestion by cutting the number of ride-hailing vehicles on the road by 5.7% during peak hours and increased road speeds by 3.6%. Additionally, AI has decreased traffic management response times from 8 minutes to 3 minutes, improving efficiency.
Chongqing is also fostering global collaboration to further its AI agenda. Companies such as Siemens, HP, and Corning are deeply involved in Chongqing's "33618" modern manufacturing cluster. Their participation is expected to bring not only technology and funding but also critical expertise, accelerating the development of the city's AI and technology sectors.
Ye stressed that with the help of global partners, Chongqing aims to build an innovative, collaborative AI ecosystem that will drive the city's continued development and economic transformation.
The 18th Meeting of the Chongqing Mayor's International Economic Advisory Council (CMIA) was held on September 26-27, 2024, in Chongqing. (Photo/Chongqing Municipal Commission of Commerce)