Storyline AI remakes manufacturing in east China city In east China's Suzhou City, artificial intelligence is pioneering a new era of manufacturing by transforming traditional production lines into sophisticated digital ecosystems. On the factory floor of a local car maker, automation serves as the silent engine of a quiet industrial revolution. Here, more than 600 robots execute tasks like welding and sealant application, as automated guided vehicles, or AGVs, shuttle materials back and forth. An AI-powered visual inspection system, meanwhile, monitors for defects in real time. With digital systems integrated throughout the production chain, the plant enables the flexible manufacturing of over 2,000 vehicle configurations and can deliver a fully customized model in just seven days. Li Shuli, CEO, Spotlight Automotive Ltd.: "By integrating AI, 5G, and intelligent manufacturing with our production philosophy, we achieved annual production and sales of 72,000 units last year, with some exported to countries and regions outside China." Across Suzhou, an "AI plus Manufacturing" initiative is laying the digital foundation for the future of industry, granting new precision and autonomy to tools like computer numerical control machines. Data shows that Suzhou now ranks among China's top five cities for artificial intelligence development. In 2024 alone, its AI industry generated 33 billion U.S. dollars in revenue, a 20 percent increase year on year. [Restrictions: No access Chinese mainland]