Zhuhai has niche as AI uplifts China, Germany

Sino-Deutsche deals were signed at the Holiday Resort Hotel (Du Jia Cun) in Jida on Sept 13 concerning 3D construction of a digital human body using depth cameras, remote-control robots, AR technologies, front-end robotic vision systems, and intelligent manufacture. 

This advances strategic synergy between Made in China 2025 and German Industry 4.0 as both countries are strengthening entire industries with artificial intelligence (AI) and innovative technology.

The theme of the agreement signings during the 2017 International Conference on Made in China 2025 & Artificial Intelligence was Sino-Germany Intelligent Manufacturing Creates a Better Future.

With new technologies bringing fresh production modes and economic spinoffs, Zhuhai is creating a niche in intelligent manufacture. This is being accomplished with the help of bilateral cooperation on AI and machinery manufacture, said a city official. This enhances the level of industrial technology in Zhuhai, he added.

Keynote speeches from industry pioneers of both countries shed light on the latest trends. They exposed joint research into intelligent terminal scanning and in-depth learning, brain-based human-computer interaction solutions, and intelligent logistics within Industry 4.0 (digitalized manufacture). 

Conference on Made in China 2025 & Artificial Intelligence

For instance, Li Deyi, an academician with the Chinese Academy of Engineering and International Eurasian Academy of Sciences, said mass production of conditional automation-enabled vehicles present challenges. It has reached a level at which it can drive tasks and monitor the environment without oversight, though a human must be ready to take control, he stated.

Dr Walter G Olthoff, chief financial officer of Deutsche Forschungszentrum für Künstliche Intelligenz (DFKI), told how they promote systems for new-technology R&D. Olthoff is a spokesman for DFKI, known as the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence -- a leader in innovative software technology. DFKI had contracted with Zhuhai 4D Age Technology at last year's conference to establish its first Asian branch, an AI center, in Xiangzhou. 

Since then, the conference has paid attention to the Sino-German artificial intelligence research institute project. Progress also was made both last year and this in implementing Shaping Innovation Together, a program backed by the Chinese and German prime ministers in 2014. 

A deal is confirmed at AI conference.

In addition to speeches, AI exhibitions and B2B networking sessions were held for businesspeople who might apply these cutting-edge technologies in their various sectors.

Intelligent robots [Photos provided by Zhuhai National Hi-Tech Industrial Development Zone]

The event was hosted by Su Hu, director of the Administrative Committee of the Zhuhai National Hi-Tech Industrial Development Zone. Lu Xiaofeng, vice-mayor of Zhuhai; Ruan Ruxiang, deputy director of the Science & Technology Division of the Ministry of Industry & Information Technology (MIIT); and Dr Cui Yan, founder of Zhuhai 4D Age Technology and president of the Zhuhai Artificial Intelligence & Intelligent Manufacturing (AI & IM) Research Institute, were in attendance.

The industrial zone sponsored the event with support from MIIT, Deutsche Energie-Agentur (dena), 4D Age Technology, and Zhuhai Hi-tech Construction Investment.