The 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China proposed to strengthen the dominant position of enterprises in technological innovation, leverage the leading and supporting role of sci-tech backbone enterprises, and promote the deep integration of innovation chain, industrial chain, capital chain, and talent chain. In 2025, the Ningbo Association for Science and Technology launched the "Four Chains" Integration Demonstration Project, aiming to explore effective approaches for scientific organizations to advance integration based on their strengths. This platform will publish exemplary practices and highlights of the demonstration project, fostering an innovation ecosystem for "Four Chains" integration through replicable experiences to empower high-quality development in key industries.

On July 4, the Ningbo Intelligent Manufacturing Association hosted the "AI+ Manufacturing" Achievements Matchmaking Event at the Ningbo Research Institute of Northwestern Polytechnical University. Over 80 representatives from colleges and universities, enterprises, and committees attended to explore new pathways for AI-driven manufacturing.

The event began with policy insights. Wang Zhan, Head of the AI Working Group of Ningbo Intelligent Manufacturing Expert Committee, analyzed Ningbo’s "AI+ Smart Manufacturing" implementation strategies, offering clear guidance based on practices like complex equipment development and digital twins.

Wang Zhan from the Ningbo Municipal Intelligent Manufacturing Expert Committee delivers policy interpretation.

Professor Guo Yangming from the Civil Aerospace Technology Center, Ningbo Research Institute of Northwestern Polytechnical University presented on "Digital Intelligence Empowerment—Equipment Data Management and Key Technologies", proposing data-center-centric solutions to address challenges in smart manufacturing lifecycle data utilization. Associate Researcher Yan Yuchao from the Smart Sensor Chip Technology Center discussed "Hyperdimensional Optical Imaging in Smart Manufacturing", explaining how advanced optical detection and AI can overcome traditional limitations to enable miniaturized and intelligent manufacturing. Cun Wenzhe from the Industrial Design & Ergonomics Center shared R&D achievements on "Seamless Evaluation-Adjustment Integrated Seat Systems for Smart Vehicle Cabins", using multi-sensor fusion technologies, such as millimeter-wave radar to enhance comfort in smart cockpits.

During the matchmaking session, participants discussed "How to Implement AI Achievements in Manufacturing" with experts, exploring ways to deepen industry-education-research collaboration. Zhejiang Junrui Intelligent Equipment Co., Ltd. showed interest in Ningbo Research Institute of Northwestern Polytechnical University’s visual inspection tech, while the Fucheng Auto Parts Co., Ltd. sought collaboration on the smart cabin seat system, with follow-ups planned.

Three experts present their achievements.

Attendees visited provincial key labs, including the High-performance MEMS Chip Manufacturing Technology Laboratory, the Autonomous Bionic Underwater Robots Laboratory, the Zhejiang Flexible Electronics Laboratory, to witness the core strengths of "AI+ Manufacturing".

Visiting a provincial key laboratory

The event facilitated industry-education-research matchmaking through concentrated achievements release, empowering innovation in new energy vehicle manufacturing. Moving forward, the Ningbo Intelligent Manufacturing Alliance (association) will leverage its resources to address industrial challenges, build more tech-matchmaking platforms, and deepen "Four Chains" integration in NEV sectors, accelerating innovation commercialization for Ningbo’s manufacturing upgrade.