On the eve of the 2025 World Intelligent Manufacturing Conference, scheduled for November 27–29 in Nanjing, a group of leading smart manufacturing enterprises in the city showcased how they are transforming production processes and reshaping industries through cutting-edge technologies. These "high achievers" leverage AI, smart factories, and robotics to elevate the overall capabilities of the manufacturing sector.

**AI+ Empowerment: From Assistive Tools to Autonomous Production** As China’s first "Software City," Nanjing is home to numerous industrial software firms and manufacturing champions pioneering AI-driven solutions. Jinling Petrochemical, for instance, has developed over 40 intelligent applications using Sinopec’s "Great Wall Model" platform, covering process optimization, equipment maintenance, and safety management.

"By integrating smart vision systems with predictive maintenance, we’ve shifted from manual safety checks to tech-driven prevention, significantly enhancing operational safety," said Xu Hong, Chairman of Jinling Petrochemical. The company’s AI-driven system also optimizes daily production efficiency by analyzing real-time data, boosting output by over 5% through deep reinforcement learning.

Similarly, Xiaoshi Technology (Jiangsu) employs AI-powered cameras with customized algorithms to combat coal theft in mining areas. "Our volume-based AI calculates residual coal in trucks, triggering alarms when thresholds are exceeded," explained Zhou Jixiang, Deputy General Manager of Project Management.

**Smart Factories: Boosting System-Wide Efficiency** Nanjing boasts multiple smart factories recognized by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. Nanjing Iron & Steel’s smart operations center, for example, features a 42-meter digital screen displaying real-time production data, enabling proactive decision-making.

At Siemens Numerical Control (SNC), a fully digitalized factory leverages digital twins for end-to-end integration from R&D to production. "Our modular 'Lego automation' lines allow rapid reconfiguration to adapt to market shifts," said Zhou Yurong, General Manager of SNC.

TICA Environment’s smart factory reduced delivery cycles from 25 to 20 days by eliminating 25 redundant processes through digital management.

**Full-Chain Robotics: Meeting Industry Demands** Nanjing’s robotics sector spans complete machines, core components, and system integration. ESTUN Automation, China’s top industrial robotics brand for seven years, recently launched the ER1200-3300, a 100% domestically produced six-axis robot with a 1,200kg payload.

Tianchuang Intelligent’s explosion-proof humanoid robot, "Tiankui," is the world’s first to achieve IIC T6 certification for hazardous environments. The company plans to unveil a new inspection-operations robot at the conference, enhanced by VTLA models and reinforcement learning.

Nanjing Precision Machinery’s ball screws and linear guides—critical "joints" for industrial equipment—are tested at 900 meters per minute in their lab. "Data-driven iterations improve quality and cost efficiency," said Cao Zeyun, Deputy General Manager.

With AI and smart manufacturing synergies, Nanjing’s robotics industry is poised to maintain its leadership.