On November 22-23, 2025, the Fuyao University of Science and Technology successfully organized two major events on intelligent manufacturing: the Forum on Future Intelligent Systems sponsored by the Industrial Big Data and Intelligent Systems Division of the Chinese Mechanical Engineering Society, and the Symposium on Intelligent Manufacturing Talent Cultivation sponsored by the Intelligent Manufacturing Engineering Committee of the China Education Association of Machinery Industry.

The two events attracted two members of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, five fellows of the Canadian Academy of Engineering, dozens of managers and engineers from the Chinese manufacturing industry, and dozens of professors and over 200 graduate students from top Chinese universities, including Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Zhejiang University, Tongji University, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Northeast University, Fuyao University of Science and Technology, and other research institutions. Focusing on cutting-edge topics in intelligent manufacturing, the attendees shared the latest research achievements, innovative practices, and industry insights, jointly exploring the path to innovation and future development of intelligent manufacturing.

Sharing of Cutting-Edge Technologies: Envisioning the Future of Intelligent Systems

Built on industrial big data, future intelligent systems represent a core solution for enterprises facing internal pressures such as rising costs, higher quality requirements, and growing demand for product personalization. Participating experts and scholars engaged in in-depth exchanges and discussions around the forum's theme of intelligent systems.

Prof. Li Peigen, Member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and former president of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, delivered a keynote titled “AI Industrial Applications: Data is the Foundation.” Prof. Yang Huayong, Chairman of the International Coalition of Intelligent Manufacturing (ICIM) and Member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, presented a keynote on “Exploration of AI-Enabled Digital Transformation in Manufacturing.” Prof. Yang Chunsheng, Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering, provided a keynote titled “From AI to AI+: Opportunities and Challenges.” Prof. Zuo Mingjian, Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering, delivered a keynote talk on “Algorithmic Decision-Making Empowered Intelligent Operation and Maintenance of Industrial Systems.”

Addressing the Talent Cultivation Challenge: Exploring Intelligent Manufacturing Talent Development

Currently, more than 370 universities in China have established the "Intelligent Manufacturing Engineering" major. However, talent cultivation in this field still faces challenges such as vague training objectives, outdated curricula, and insufficient practical resources. During the symposium on Intelligent Manufacturing Talent Cultivation, participating experts exchanged insights on three major themes: "AI-empowered intelligent manufacturing training programs, teaching methods and approaches, and teaching content reform," sharing practices from various universities and discussing directions for reform.

Prof. Zhao Ji, Director of the Teaching Guidance Committee for Mechanical Majors of Higher Educational Institutions under the Ministry of Education and former President of Northeastern University, delivered a keynote on "Rethinking Intelligent Manufacturing Engineering Education."

Prof. Gu Peihua, Deputy Director of the same committee and Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering, presented a keynote talk on "Building Future Smart Manufacturing and Innovation Learning Factories to Cultivate Engineering Innovators in the AI Era." Prof. Shen Weiming, Dean of the FYUST School of Intelligent Manufacturing and Future Technologies and Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering, shared his thoughts on personalized talent cultivation in the intelligent manufacturing engineering program, focusing on "AI-empowered curriculum system reform for intelligent manufacturing engineering" to promote close alignment between program development and industrial upgrading.

During the symposium, the "AI-Empowered Personalized Talent Cultivation Practice Teaching Platform for Intelligent Manufacturing" was also demonstrated. This platform systematically covers the knowledge system and engineer competency framework for the Intelligent Manufacturing Engineering major. Developed collaboratively by Fuyao University of Science and Technology together with Tongji University, Xi'an Jiaotong University, and several other universities, it represents an important attempt to explore personalized talent cultivation in intelligent manufacturing in the AI era.

The two events also brought together a total of over 300 attendees from academia, industry, and government, featuring 16 keynote talks and 3 roundtable forums. Participants engaged in in-depth exchanges and discussions on cutting-edge technology fields such as big-data-driven intelligent manufacturing, intelligent systems, industrial big data, and unmanned systems, as well as the new challenges and opportunities that AI brings to education.

The AI wave is surging forward with tremendous momentum. Fuyao University of Science and Technology will adhere to its positioning as a high-caliber, compact and elite, research-driven, and globally oriented” university. It will closely align with the R&D needs of industrial upgrading in precision manufacturing, intelligent manufacturing, robotics and automation, and industrial intelligence. With the characteristics of intelligent technology empowerment and interdisciplinary integration, the university is committed to cultivating top-notch, innovative talents for the nation and industry through an interdisciplinary, personalized, and tailored approach.