Grace Zhou, G10 陈晓吉

In 2026, Shenzhen is rapidly transforming from the “world’s factory” into a smart city. Following the official launch of the Shenzhen Artificial Intelligence Plus Advanced Manufacturing Action Plan (2026–2027), AI is no longer confined to laboratory research. It has now entered factories and everyday services, helping drive higher‑quality economic growth in the city.

In manufacturing, AI is upgrading Shenzhen’s traditional strengths. Huawei’s Ascend chips, combined with the Pangu large model, enable smart factories to detect issues early and automate production, boosting efficiency by over 30%. DJI drones, together with industrial robots, have formed the world’s largest robotics industry chain, with an output value exceeding 200 billion yuan in 2025. Companies like BYD use AI to optimize supply chains and quality inspection, significantly cutting costs. Today, Shenzhen already hosts over 100 “future factory” demonstration projects, cementing AI as a new engine for the manufacturing sector.

The service industry is also evolving rapidly. Tencent’s Hunyuan large model enhances smart customer service and business tools, making them far more efficient. Huawei’s AI public service center in Longgang integrates smart healthcare, logistics, and digital twins into daily life, bringing the benefits of AI directly to residents. In short, AI is making Shenzhen’s services more personalized and intelligent.

Shenzhen’s unique advantage lies in its “soft‑hard” integration: a complete industrial chain, robust computing power, collaborative synergy within the Greater Bay Area, and strong government support. These factors allow AI to develop most rapidly here. Of course, more efforts are still needed in talent cultivation and international standard alignment.

Looking ahead, Shenzhen’s “AI+” initiative is not just about technological advancement; it also serves as a model for high‑quality development. By 2027, the AI terminal industry is projected to reach 1 trillion yuan, providing valuable lessons for both the country and the world. Shenzhen is writing a new chapter of economic growth with artificial intelligence.