South China's Guangdong province, an economic powerhouse of the country, is set to focus on integrating mechatronics with artificial intelligence to build a world-class new-type mechatronics industrial cluster, aiming to enhance the province's manufacturing strength, according to a key meeting held on June 16.

The meeting convened scientists and business leaders to explore ways to accelerate the development of the new-type mechatronics industry in Guangdong. The session comes as China intensifies its efforts to become a global manufacturing leader.

Prominent figures — including Zhou Ji, Yang Zhongmin and Gao Wen, academicians of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, along with representatives from leading companies such as Huawei and Tencent — shared insights on the latest advancements in mechatronics and offered recommendations for Guangdong's industrial growth. Participants underscored the province's robust industrial foundation and strategic advantages, reaffirming their commitment to deepening research and increasing investment.

According to the meeting, mechatronics holds strategic importance in modernizing Guangdong's industrial system. It outlined supportive policies focusing on achieving technological breakthroughs, fostering new business models, cultivating new business entities, promoting market expansion and establishing new institutional frameworks. Key initiatives include tackling critical technological challenges, advancing smart manufacturing and supporting leading enterprises in forming innovation alliances.

Guangdong aims to use its strengths in AI and manufacturing to build world-class industrial clusters in both mechatronics and AI, according to the meeting. By fostering new technologies and products, the province seeks to sustain its economic leadership and contribute to national strength.

Guangdong authorities also encouraged scientists and entrepreneurs to invest and innovate in the province, pledging a supportive environment for industrial advancement.