The bugle call for post-spring-festival resumption of work has sounded. The high-speed production lines in factories, the orderly scheduled intelligent equipment in industrial parks, and the highly efficient and collaborative intelligent manufacturing system across the industrial chain together depict a vivid picture of the vigorous recovery of the manufacturing industry. Behind this lies the solid technical support of industrial automation, which injects an inexhaustible driving force into production efficiency improvement and industrial upgrading. As the spring scenery unfolds in March and the manufacturing industry embraces a new round of development upsurge, it is worthwhile to focus on this core track. Looking back at March 2026, what new collaborations, trends and technologies have emerged in the field of industrial automation to continuously empower the cultivation of new-quality productive forces? Let’s take a closer look!
On the enterprise front, good news keeps pouring in, with leading enterprises accelerating collaborative innovation and strategic layout. Siemens launched new industrial AI technologies in Beijing and expanded partnership cooperation; ABB Robotics joined hands with NVIDIA to accelerate the large-scale implementation of industrial-grade physical AI; Estun was listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, advancing its "A+H" dual-capital platform strategy to speed up international expansion; Elite Robot completed a 600 million yuan Series D+ financing, ramping up investment in the AI industrial chain and global strategy; Schaeffler and Mitsubishi Electric have successively teamed up with local enterprises to build embodied intelligence solutions, further deepening the industrial ecosystem.
A flurry of industry grand events and landmark developments have followed one after another, fueling strong momentum for industrial progress. The 2026 Guangzhou International Intelligent Manufacturing Technology and Equipment Exhibition and Chengdu International Industrial Expo were held in full swing; thematic seminars on "digital and intelligent transformation of the manufacturing industry" and the 2026 National Conference on New-Quality Productive Forces and Intelligent Industry Development were successively organized; the first standard system for humanoid robots and embodied intelligence was released, and the Xiamen Embodied Intelligence Industry Alliance was established; a series of international standards for industrial communication led by China were successfully approved for project initiation, continuously improving the industry standard system; in February, China’s manufacturing industry prosperity index recorded the strongest improvement rate in five years; 16 cities were selected into the first batch of the national new-type industrialization demonstration zones list, further upgrading the carriers for industrial development.
In terms of new products, continuous technological breakthroughs have led to the emergence of high-caliber products that empower diverse application scenarios. Advantech launched a new high-performance edge computing product equipped with AMD EPYC Embedded 4005 Series processors; Turck rolled out self-learning AI cameras; ABB released a new generation of digitally intelligent, long-life pH/ORP sensors; Delta launched thin-type motion controllers paired with blade-type I/O modules; North China Industrial Control introduced the MATX-6557 equipped with the Phytium D3000 octa-core processor, adding impetus to domestic substitution efforts. Enterprises such as SICK, Congatec and Vishay also launched a range of new sensing and computing products, yielding fruitful results in technological innovation.
Siemens RXD Conference kicked off in Beijing, focusing on the extension of AI from the digital world to the physical realm. It launched 26 new products for edge computing, automation and control, and deepened cooperation with Alibaba Cloud to promote the migration of industrial simulation capabilities to the cloud and jointly build an AI engineering R&D system. Meanwhile, it rolled out a new generation of DC circuit breakers and AI intelligent cooling solutions, which are tailored to the needs of intelligent computing centers, facilitating the full-scale implementation of large-scale industrial AI applications.
On March 9, ABB Robotics announced a deep strategic partnership with NVIDIA, fully integrating the Omniverse library into its RobotStudio software and launching the RobotStudio HyperReality solution. This solution achieves a 99% high-precision alignment between virtual training and real-world deployment, helping enterprises cut costs by up to 40% and shorten time-to-market by 50%. Having been piloted at enterprises including Foxconn, the solution is scheduled for official release in the second half of 2026, driving the large-scale deployment of industrial-grade physical AI.
On March 28, Delta, Hanteng Technology and Loongson Technology jointly launched the Containerized SST DC Mobile Intelligent Computing Center at Delta’s Wujiang manufacturing base.
With Delta’s SST solid-state transformer as the energy core, this solution integrates Loongson’s domestically developed 3C6000 CPU and AI accelerator cards. Boasting a conversion efficiency of over 98.5% and supporting plug-and-play deployment within 24 hours, it achieves full-stack independent controllability, breaks through the limitations of traditional computing power deployment, and empowers diverse scenarios such as edge computing and emergency response.
On March 9, Estun Automation was listed on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, becoming the first enterprise with an "A+H" dual-listing status in China's industrial robotics sector.
The listing has attracted participation from a number of well-known investment institutions. Leveraging the Hong Kong stock platform, Estun will continue to invest in "AI + Robotics" technologies, expand its global market presence, and empower the intelligent upgrading of the manufacturing industry worldwide.
Elite Robot has officially secured RMB 600 million in Series D+ financing, with joint investment from multiple CVC funds in the AIDC industry chain and institutions such as Fortune Capital.
Adhering to its "One Brain, Multiple Forms" strategy and focusing on core full-stack self-developed agent technology, the company deeply cultivates high-end manufacturing scenarios, where its AI industry chain business accounts for 50% of the total. This round of financing will help the company strengthen its core competitiveness in embodied intelligence, advance its global layout, and drive the full-system AI transformation.
On March 18, Schneider Electric and NVIDIA deepened their cooperation, releasing the Vera Rubin reference design for power supply, distribution and cooling. Built on Omniverse, the collaboration delivers a full-lifecycle digital twin for AI factories, and has completed the testing of the Nemotron agent-based AI. This fully supports the efficient deployment and autonomous operation of gigawatt-scale AI data centers.
Rockwell Automation has released a global OEM research report, covering 500 executives across 17 countries. The report shows that OEMs are facing multiple challenges such as labor shortages, supply chain disruptions and cost pressures. Leading enterprises are building resilient operations through rapid recovery capabilities, data-driven decision-making, digital twins and cybersecurity measures, shifting their focus from simply competing on equipment performance to enhancing customers' full-lifecycle value.
On March 5, Hollysys and Sinosci Electronics signed a strategic cooperation agreement. The two parties will leverage Hollysys’ strengths in automation and intelligent systems, and combine Sinosci Electronics’ experience in AI, software platforms and industry applications to build core competitiveness featuring "integrated hardware and software, and data-driven operations". They will carry out joint innovation to empower sectors such as energy, government affairs and healthcare, and co-construct an industrial ecosystem.
Inovance Technology and Zhanjiang Deli entered into a strategic cooperation at Inovance's Suzhou headquarters. Leveraging the InoCube digital platform, Inovance will customize an energy management solution for Zhanjiang Deli, enabling unified monitoring and AI-driven optimization of electricity, gas, water and heat consumption. This initiative will help the leading automotive components enterprise cut costs and boost efficiency, build a green and carbon-neutral factory, and drive the low-carbon transformation of the automotive industry.
On March 25, Honeywell officially launched the commercial release of its Experion® Intelligent Prediction & Prevention AI Solution. Built on the company’s flagship DCS system, this solution can issue early warnings for industrial anomalies 5–10 minutes in advance, helping enterprises upgrade to an autonomous operation mode. Chevron and TotalEnergies have completed pilot programs, which have effectively reduced unplanned downtime and improved operational performance.
Following Christian Merz's visit to China, global auto parts giant Schaeffler officially named UBtech Robotics as its first Chinese partner in embodied intelligence.
The two parties will conduct in-depth collaboration focusing on industrial scenario applications, data training platforms and new technology R&D. Leveraging Schaeffler’s strengths in precision manufacturing and large-scale production capacity, together with UBtech Robotics’ advantages in complete machine deployment and data capabilities, they will create a model for the industrialization of humanoid robots, helping China’s humanoid robot industry integrate into the global industrial landscape.
Recently, Mitsubishi Electric, via its subsidiary MEITC, signed an investment and cooperation agreement with Luming Robotics to jointly lay out the development of embodied intelligence.
Combining Mitsubishi Electric’s full-stack FA (Factory Automation) capabilities with Luming Robotics’ expertise in hardware and data acquisition technologies, the two parties will build a one-stop solution for industrial embodied intelligence. Pilot tests have already been launched in China. The collaboration aims to jointly advance the construction of "Future Factories" and facilitate the labor-saving and intelligent upgrading of the manufacturing industry.
The bugle call for post-spring-festival resumption of work has sounded. The high-speed production lines in factories, the orderly scheduled intelligent equipment in industrial parks, and the highly efficient and collaborative intelligent manufacturing system across the industrial chain together depict a vivid picture of the vigorous recovery of the manufacturing industry. Behind this lies the solid technical support of industrial automation, which injects an inexhaustible driving force into production efficiency improvement and industrial upgrading. As the spring scenery unfolds in March and the manufacturing industry embraces a new round of development upsurge, it is worthwhile to focus on this core track. Looking back at March 2026, what new collaborations, trends and technologies have emerged in the field of industrial automation to continuously empower the cultivation of new-quality productive forces? Let’s take a closer look!
On the enterprise front, good news keeps pouring in, with leading enterprises accelerating collaborative innovation and strategic layout. Siemens launched new industrial AI technologies in Beijing and expanded partnership cooperation; ABB Robotics joined hands with NVIDIA to accelerate the large-scale implementation of industrial-grade physical AI; Estun was listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, advancing its "A+H" dual-capital platform strategy to speed up international expansion; Elite Robot completed a 600 million yuan Series D+ financing, ramping up investment in the AI industrial chain and global strategy; Schaeffler and Mitsubishi Electric have successively teamed up with local enterprises to build embodied intelligence solutions, further deepening the industrial ecosystem.
A flurry of industry grand events and landmark developments have followed one after another, fueling strong momentum for industrial progress. The 2026 Guangzhou International Intelligent Manufacturing Technology and Equipment Exhibition and Chengdu International Industrial Expo were held in full swing; thematic seminars on "digital and intelligent transformation of the manufacturing industry" and the 2026 National Conference on New-Quality Productive Forces and Intelligent Industry Development were successively organized; the first standard system for humanoid robots and embodied intelligence was released, and the Xiamen Embodied Intelligence Industry Alliance was established; a series of international standards for industrial communication led by China were successfully approved for project initiation, continuously improving the industry standard system; in February, China’s manufacturing industry prosperity index recorded the strongest improvement rate in five years; 16 cities were selected into the first batch of the national new-type industrialization demonstration zones list, further upgrading the carriers for industrial development.
In terms of new products, continuous technological breakthroughs have led to the emergence of high-caliber products that empower diverse application scenarios. Advantech launched a new high-performance edge computing product equipped with AMD EPYC Embedded 4005 Series processors; Turck rolled out self-learning AI cameras; ABB released a new generation of digitally intelligent, long-life pH/ORP sensors; Delta launched thin-type motion controllers paired with blade-type I/O modules; North China Industrial Control introduced the MATX-6557 equipped with the Phytium D3000 octa-core processor, adding impetus to domestic substitution efforts. Enterprises such as SICK, Congatec and Vishay also launched a range of new sensing and computing products, yielding fruitful results in technological innovation.
Siemens RXD Conference kicked off in Beijing, focusing on the extension of AI from the digital world to the physical realm. It launched 26 new products for edge computing, automation and control, and deepened cooperation with Alibaba Cloud to promote the migration of industrial simulation capabilities to the cloud and jointly build an AI engineering R&D system. Meanwhile, it rolled out a new generation of DC circuit breakers and AI intelligent cooling solutions, which are tailored to the needs of intelligent computing centers, facilitating the full-scale implementation of large-scale industrial AI applications.
On March 9, ABB Robotics announced a deep strategic partnership with NVIDIA, fully integrating the Omniverse library into its RobotStudio software and launching the RobotStudio HyperReality solution. This solution achieves a 99% high-precision alignment between virtual training and real-world deployment, helping enterprises cut costs by up to 40% and shorten time-to-market by 50%. Having been piloted at enterprises including Foxconn, the solution is scheduled for official release in the second half of 2026, driving the large-scale deployment of industrial-grade physical AI.
On March 28, Delta, Hanteng Technology and Loongson Technology jointly launched the Containerized SST DC Mobile Intelligent Computing Center at Delta’s Wujiang manufacturing base.
With Delta’s SST solid-state transformer as the energy core, this solution integrates Loongson’s domestically developed 3C6000 CPU and AI accelerator cards. Boasting a conversion efficiency of over 98.5% and supporting plug-and-play deployment within 24 hours, it achieves full-stack independent controllability, breaks through the limitations of traditional computing power deployment, and empowers diverse scenarios such as edge computing and emergency response.
On March 9, Estun Automation was listed on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, becoming the first enterprise with an "A+H" dual-listing status in China's industrial robotics sector.
The listing has attracted participation from a number of well-known investment institutions. Leveraging the Hong Kong stock platform, Estun will continue to invest in "AI + Robotics" technologies, expand its global market presence, and empower the intelligent upgrading of the manufacturing industry worldwide.
Elite Robot has officially secured RMB 600 million in Series D+ financing, with joint investment from multiple CVC funds in the AIDC industry chain and institutions such as Fortune Capital.
Adhering to its "One Brain, Multiple Forms" strategy and focusing on core full-stack self-developed agent technology, the company deeply cultivates high-end manufacturing scenarios, where its AI industry chain business accounts for 50% of the total. This round of financing will help the company strengthen its core competitiveness in embodied intelligence, advance its global layout, and drive the full-system AI transformation.
On March 18, Schneider Electric and NVIDIA deepened their cooperation, releasing the Vera Rubin reference design for power supply, distribution and cooling. Built on Omniverse, the collaboration delivers a full-lifecycle digital twin for AI factories, and has completed the testing of the Nemotron agent-based AI. This fully supports the efficient deployment and autonomous operation of gigawatt-scale AI data centers.
Rockwell Automation has released a global OEM research report, covering 500 executives across 17 countries. The report shows that OEMs are facing multiple challenges such as labor shortages, supply chain disruptions and cost pressures. Leading enterprises are building resilient operations through rapid recovery capabilities, data-driven decision-making, digital twins and cybersecurity measures, shifting their focus from simply competing on equipment performance to enhancing customers' full-lifecycle value.
On March 5, Hollysys and Sinosci Electronics signed a strategic cooperation agreement. The two parties will leverage Hollysys’ strengths in automation and intelligent systems, and combine Sinosci Electronics’ experience in AI, software platforms and industry applications to build core competitiveness featuring "integrated hardware and software, and data-driven operations". They will carry out joint innovation to empower sectors such as energy, government affairs and healthcare, and co-construct an industrial ecosystem.
Inovance Technology and Zhanjiang Deli entered into a strategic cooperation at Inovance's Suzhou headquarters. Leveraging the InoCube digital platform, Inovance will customize an energy management solution for Zhanjiang Deli, enabling unified monitoring and AI-driven optimization of electricity, gas, water and heat consumption. This initiative will help the leading automotive components enterprise cut costs and boost efficiency, build a green and carbon-neutral factory, and drive the low-carbon transformation of the automotive industry.
On March 25, Honeywell officially launched the commercial release of its Experion® Intelligent Prediction & Prevention AI Solution. Built on the company’s flagship DCS system, this solution can issue early warnings for industrial anomalies 5–10 minutes in advance, helping enterprises upgrade to an autonomous operation mode. Chevron and TotalEnergies have completed pilot programs, which have effectively reduced unplanned downtime and improved operational performance.
Following Christian Merz's visit to China, global auto parts giant Schaeffler officially named UBtech Robotics as its first Chinese partner in embodied intelligence.
The two parties will conduct in-depth collaboration focusing on industrial scenario applications, data training platforms and new technology R&D. Leveraging Schaeffler’s strengths in precision manufacturing and large-scale production capacity, together with UBtech Robotics’ advantages in complete machine deployment and data capabilities, they will create a model for the industrialization of humanoid robots, helping China’s humanoid robot industry integrate into the global industrial landscape.
Recently, Mitsubishi Electric, via its subsidiary MEITC, signed an investment and cooperation agreement with Luming Robotics to jointly lay out the development of embodied intelligence.
Combining Mitsubishi Electric’s full-stack FA (Factory Automation) capabilities with Luming Robotics’ expertise in hardware and data acquisition technologies, the two parties will build a one-stop solution for industrial embodied intelligence. Pilot tests have already been launched in China. The collaboration aims to jointly advance the construction of "Future Factories" and facilitate the labor-saving and intelligent upgrading of the manufacturing industry.
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