The State Council Information Office recently held a press conference to highlight major achievements in industrial and information technology development for 2025. Xie Cun, Director of the Information and Communication Development Department at the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, provided detailed insights into the progress and integration of advanced technologies in manufacturing. He noted that artificial intelligence (AI) has significantly penetrated the industrial sector, especially in leading smart factories, with AI technologies embedded in over 70 percent of business scenarios. This widespread adoption has enhanced operational efficiency, decision-making, and production quality. A key milestone is the development of more than 6, 000 vertical domain models tailored to specific industrial applications. These models enable customized solutions that address unique manufacturing challenges, optimizing workflows, improving product design, and streamlining resource management. Additionally, large-scale deployment of intelligent manufacturing equipment and industrial software—which now includes over 1, 700 essential smart devices and platforms—supports real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and adaptive control to minimize downtime and boost productivity. One notable advancement is the emergence of industrial intelligent agents with sophisticated perception, decision-making, and execution capabilities. These agents represent a shift from traditional automation toward autonomous manufacturing, interpreting sensor data, making decisions independently, and performing complex tasks without human intervention—thereby redefining industrial automation's scope.

This move from automation to autonomy marks a paradigm shift, transforming factories into adaptive, self-regulating entities that continuously improve operations and enhance workplace safety by reducing reliance on manual oversight. The Ministry’s commitment to integrating AI in manufacturing aligns with national goals to enhance industrial competitiveness and sustainability. Targeted investments in research, development, and policy support have fostered an ecosystem conducive to innovation and practical AI applications. Looking forward, expanding AI integration with technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT), big data analytics, and 5G connectivity is expected to further boost productivity, quality, and customization across the manufacturing value chain. These technological advancements have significant implications for workforce development. As industries adopt smarter systems, there is increased demand for professionals skilled in AI, data analysis, and system integration. Equipping the workforce with these competencies is vital to maintaining industrial innovation momentum. In summary, the State Council Information Office’s report depicts a promising outlook for China’s industrial and information technology sector in 2025. The deep integration of AI in smart factories, proliferation of vertical domain models, widespread use of intelligent equipment, and progress toward autonomous manufacturing collectively demonstrate the nation’s strides in embracing the industrial future—strengthening manufacturing capabilities while setting the stage for sustained innovation and economic growth.