Haier Group has made significant strides in intelligent manufacturing, leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance operational efficiency and productivity. Demonstrating these advancements at the World AI Conference 2025 in Shanghai, the company emphasized how smart manufacturing powered by AI has considerably reduced downtime, minimized defects, and boosted output on factory floors, establishing them as competitive powerhouses globally.

During an interview at the conference, Xie Haiqin, deputy general manager of Haier's industrial internet platform COSMOPlat, highlighted China's journey of transforming technological potential into real economic growth. This transformation is greatly supported by a robust manufacturing foundation and diverse application scenarios.

COSMOPlat serves as an industrial internet platform that provides users with comprehensive production processes and mass customization solutions. The platform has enabled 12 operational lighthouse factories across various sectors in China, connected 900,000 enterprises globally, and assisted 160,000 start-ups throughout the industrial chain.

One notable achievement includes a recent enhancement in productivity at an automobile factory, which saw a 20 percent increase in output, while also reducing equipment failure rates by 30 percent and cutting maintenance costs by 25 percent. These improvements are attributed to the integration of technologies such as 5G, large AI models, the Internet of Things, automation, and advanced analytics within the COSMOPlat framework.

These advancements signal China's commitment to modernizing its industrial system and fostering innovation through technological advancements. This comprehensive approach is expected to elevate total factor productivity and develop new growth drivers while transforming China's industrial landscape.

As the global trend of digital transformation continues to evolve, Haier views this as an opportune moment to sharpen its manufacturing competencies. Xie emphasized the potential for industrial transformation to introduce significant enhancements across various sectors.

The organization is dedicated to driving the intelligent and digital transformation of diverse industries by employing cutting-edge manufacturing technologies, including large AI models and advanced robotic equipment. This effort is crucial for improving overall efficiency and product quality.

In its factories, the application of AI encompasses several facets such as optimizing production processes, conducting quality inspections, and facilitating equipment maintenance. Additionally, the proliferation of robotics in industry is recognized as a critical trend that can substantially enhance operational efficiency.

Xie pointed out that Chinese firms possess distinct advantages within the global context of digital transformation. By maximizing these strengths, companies can accelerate technological innovation and application, which is pivotal for high-quality development in the modern landscape.

Looking ahead, Haier plans to intensify its focus on intelligent manufacturing through AI to boost efficiency and cut costs. The establishment of more lighthouse factories, with an emphasis on automation, intelligence, and digitized green production, is part of the company's strategic focus. This will involve continued investment and optimization in areas such as quality inspection and intelligent AI agents aimed at quality control and energy management.

Currently, six of Haier's facilities are part of the global lighthouse network—a prestigious program conceived by the World Economic Forum in partnership with McKinsey in 2018. These lighthouse factories epitomize the pinnacle of global intelligent manufacturing, characterized by their efficiency, intelligence, and commitment to sustainability.