From Automation to Intelligence: Schneider Electric Accelerates the Smart Manufacturing Revolution in China
At the 8th China International Import Expo, Schneider Electric unveiled its latest breakthroughs in AI-driven automation and open platform integration.
A New Era of Intelligent Manufacturing
China’s industrial transformation is moving rapidly from “manufacturing scale” to “quality and intelligence.”
Smart automation, AI decision-making, and open digital platforms are becoming the engines of a new industrial revolution.
Schneider Electric, a global leader in energy management and automation, is taking a front-row seat in this transformation, turning global innovation into localized smart manufacturing solutions for China.
At this year’s CIIE, Schneider Electric’s booth became a window into the future of factories—showcasing edge computing, AI integration, flexible manufacturing, and digital energy management.
The Power of Intelligent Technology
The star attraction was the Modicon Edge I/O NTS system, a distributed platform enabling real-time data processing at the network edge.
Its modular and protocol-agnostic design allows seamless integration with diverse automation systems, reducing latency while improving precision in industrial control.
Another highlight was the locally designed “Golden Quartet” motion control suite, created specifically for Chinese manufacturers.
This combination of controllers, drives, motors, and human-machine interfaces shortens cycle time by 30% and supports multi-industry adaptability—from packaging to electronics to logistics.
The AI-powered Flipping Machine, driven by the EcoStruxure™ Automation Expert (EAE) open automation platform, further demonstrated the convergence of automation and artificial intelligence.
It showed how machine learning can enhance real-time inspection, adaptive production, and predictive maintenance across complex assembly lines.
Digital Cooperation and Ecosystem Expansion
Schneider Electric understands that true industrial transformation depends on collaboration.
Through its growing ecosystem, the company is partnering with local innovators to co-create value.
For instance, in cooperation with Qiangsi Digital Technology, Schneider Electric integrates automation and safety systems with advanced asset management to optimize process industry performance.
Its partnership with Arkema China focuses on building digital, low-carbon chemical plants, setting a benchmark for sustainable manufacturing.
In the pharmaceutical and food industries, Schneider Electric works with engineering firms like Jieshun and Dayi to deploy ProLeiT process control and MES digital platforms, advancing digital transformation at scale.
AI and Green Manufacturing: A Perfect Pair
AI in manufacturing is not only about intelligence—it’s about sustainability.
Schneider Electric applies AI-based energy optimization algorithms that can reduce industrial energy consumption by 10–15% without affecting output.
This directly supports China’s “dual carbon” goals, turning sustainability into a competitive advantage.
Products like the Altivar 340 variable speed drive demonstrate this synergy by optimizing motor torque and minimizing energy waste.
When combined with digital twins and analytics, manufacturers can continuously monitor and improve performance in real time.
Smart Manufacturing, the Chinese Way
“Digitalization is a system-wide evolution, not a single event,” said Ding Xiaohong.
Through its China Hub strategy, Schneider Electric integrates R&D, local production, and partner collaboration to deliver solutions designed by China, for China.
As AI, big data, and automation continue to converge, Schneider Electric’s open platforms will remain at the heart of industrial transformation.
From intelligent control systems to cloud-based energy management, the company is paving the way for a more efficient, greener, and smarter industrial future.

