#China #AI Innovations #Chongqing #World Smart Expo #Energy Vehicles

Artificial Intelligence and Energy Efficient Vehicles Shine

On September 5, 2025, the World Smart Industry Expo kicked off in Chongqing, bringing together over 550 companies to showcase more than 3,000 innovations. From autonomous driving systems and AI cabins to XR cinemas and robotic cafes, the event illustrates how AI is reshaping industry and everyday life.

This year’s showcase revolves around the theme of ‘AI+’ and smart connected vehicles powered by new energy sources (NEV). It highlights digital urban management, robotics, smart home technology, and the low-altitude economy. The event features Singapore as the guest country and Sichuan as the guest province.

During the opening ceremony, nine keynote speakers discussed the transformative role of AI in driving social change. Among them, Harry Shum Heung-Yeung, Chair of the Council at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and a foreign member of the US National Academy of Engineering, foresees advances in embodied intelligence. He anticipates that robots will learn, adapt, and collaborate in real-world conditions.

Cedrik Neike, an executive board member and CEO of Digital Industries at Siemens AG, emphasized that AI is accelerating the shift towards software-defined automation. This transition is enabling industries to become more flexible, efficient, and sustainable.

The expo will host 11 events focusing on partnerships in AI, digital transformation, and equity funding, featuring companies like Huawei and Baidu, alongside 40 different investment institutions. Contracts amounting to over 200 billion yuan (approximately $27.5 billion) have been signed, with 120 billion yuan committed on-site.

Prominent projects, such as Geely’s smart manufacturing initiative, are set to reinforce supply chains and invigorate Chongqing’s ‘33618’ advanced manufacturing cluster. This strategy aims to modernize industrial structures while establishing a nationally significant advanced manufacturing center, thus propelling sectors such as NEV, electronics, materials, food production, textiles, and biomedicine.

The NEV pavilion showcases 20 global automakers, including Changan, Seres, and Tesla, supported by over 100 parts suppliers and ecosystem partners. This area displays innovations in intelligent driving, software-defined vehicles, and smart manufacturing practices.

The expo will also serve as a launchpad for emerging technologies, unveiling products like Changan’s SDA Intelligence, the Chongqing Low-Altitude Smart Management Service Platform, the AI Computing Open Architecture, and the Sugon AI Supercluster system alongside the China NEV Challenge.

Initially held in 2018 and previously known as the Smart China Expo, the World Smart Industry Expo has evolved into a key platform for showcasing digital innovations. It serves as a meeting point for industry leaders, scholars, and policymakers to exhibit groundbreaking technologies and foster global collaboration.

With its rich agenda and impressive exhibitor lineup, the expo highlights the future trajectory of digital transformation and sustainable industry practices, showcasing how AI and NEV are set to redefine the landscape of modern transportation and technology.