Driven by AI, Liaoning taps its potential

Liaoning, one of Northeast China's traditional industrial powerhouses, is navigating both opportunities and challenges amid the latest wave of artificial intelligence-driven technological transformation.

Last year, Liaoning recorded breakthrough achievements such as the stunning debut of new-generation stealth fighter J-35A. It also produced the world's largest methanol dual-fuel engine container ship crankshaft as well as aluminum-based composite drill rods that assisted in the Chang'e-6 lunar soil extraction.

"All these achievements highlight Liaoning's latest advancements in science and technology, contributing new materials and components to the nation's major scientific and technological initiatives," said Cai Rui, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, the country's top political advisory body, during the two sessions annual meetings that concluded on Tuesday in Beijing.

Cai, who is also director of the Liaoning Department of Science and Technology, emphasized the importance of leveraging Liaoning's technological foundation to modernize its traditional industries with green and intelligent solutions.

During China's First Five-Year Plan (1953-57), Liaoning generated 27 percent of the nation's electricity and produced 60 percent of its steel, supplying vital materials and equipment for national construction, according to Xinhua News Agency.

Regarded as the cradle of China's heavy industry, Liaoning has been home to more than 1,000 first-generation national critical infrastructure projects, including the country's first 10,000-metric-ton oceangoing cargo ship, jet aircraft and aircraft carrier, according to Liaoning Daily.

As the province moves into a new era, it has leveraged its strong industrial foundation to achieve significant breakthroughs in technological innovation.

By July, Liaoning had established nearly 90 provincial-level industrial internet platforms, developed 222 digital workshops and built 115 smart factories, according to the Liaoning Department of Industry and Information Technology.

"The rapid advancement of AI, exemplified by breakthroughs like DeepSeek, has continuously lowered implementation costs and reduced barriers to access, compelling traditional industries to embrace AI and maximize its potential," Cai said.

"AI has provided a pivotal opportunity for the transformation of Liaoning's heavy industry. It boosts production efficiency, enhances product quality and lowers operational costs, driving industrial upgrading and modernization," he added.

One example is the development of main bearings, the core component of shield machines essential for modern tunnel construction. Previously, developing large-diameter main bearings faced significant technical barriers and required substantial research and development costs, said Cai, a researcher at the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences.

However, the Institute of Metal Research at the Chinese Academy of Sciences successfully developed an 8-meter-diameter main bearing for mega shield machines last year.

"This innovation not only broke foreign technological monopolies, but also significantly reduced the cost of shield machines," Cai said.

Fang Biling contributed to this story.

Contact the writers at yandongjie@chinadaily.com.cn