Traditional enterprises show innovative techs

The rapid development of technology, especially artificial intelligence (AI), is reshaping the industrial landscape. In this context, Shenzhen is sparing no effort to help its traditional industries upgrade, rolling out 12 measures to accelerate their transformation through intelligent and innovative means, as introduced at a press conference held at the Civic Center on Sept. 29.

Visitors take photos as Wang Ning, deputy general manager of Wan AI Chef, demonstrates the company’s “AI Chef” at the “A Better Life, Created by Shenzhen” exhibition at the Shenzhen Industrial Museum yesterday. Photos by Chen Siqi

According to Ping Yuan, deputy director-general of the Shenzhen Municipal Industry and Information Technology Bureau, traditional industrial fields in Shenzhen, including gold and jewelry, bicycles, glass, furniture, and toys, are already demonstrating new products, brands, services, and business models, riding the wave of digital and AI technology.

Looking forward, Shenzhen will leverage its strengths in abundant innovation resources, a comprehensive industrial ecosystem, and vast application scenarios to elevate its traditional industries. The city's 12 new measures aim to boost the total scale of its traditional industries to over 700 billion yuan (US$96.2 billion) within around three years.

A corporate representative from Shenzhen HIPINE Precision Technology introduces a smartwatch to visitors during the “A Better Life, Created by Shenzhen” exhibition.

Key measures include optimizing the policy framework and providing targeted support for industries like clothing, jewelry, and furniture throughout their business lifecycles.

Financially, the city will deploy a diverse investment model combining government guidance funds, corporate capital, and professional institutions to nurture high-potential companies.

Technologically, the plan emphasizes core R&D in critical components and the full integration of AI and digital transformation, pushing more than 100 companies to adopt smart technologies.

Concrete examples of this tech-driven transformation are on permanent display at the Shenzhen Industrial Museum in an exhibition titled “A Better Life, Created by Shenzhen.”

A visitor tests a pair of AR glasses at the“A Better Life, Created by Shenzhen” exhibition. 

Among the exhibits are two pairs of AR glasses developed by Doctor Glasses Group and Shenzhen-based Falcon Innovations Technology Co. Ltd. According to Shen Xiaolin, a staff member of Falcon Innovations, the RayNeo X3 Pro is the world’s smallest pair of glasses equipped with full-color MicroLED technology that has achieved mass production. With their high transparency, wearers can see both the on-screen images and the real world simultaneously. Their functions include real-time navigation, payment processing, translation, and answering questions.

“AI glasses are not only emerging consumer electronics but also a gateway for us to access AI,” said Ding Yunjie, secretary of the board of Doctor Glasses. Established in 1993, the eyewear retailer has expanded into intelligent products, with 150 of its 569 brick-and-mortar stores now selling smart glasses. The group has also established a joint venture with Falcon Innovations Technology Co. Ltd. to develop new products.

Wang Ning, deputy general manager of Wan AI Chef, introduces the company's “AI chef” at the exhibition.

An “AI chef” has also attracted attention at the exhibition. By placing pre-prepared ingredients into the intelligent cooking machine, a fully cooked dish is served automatically by the machine — no stirring required. “We use microwaves to heat the dishes, and it does so very evenly. By leveraging the sensing and GPU capabilities of the chip, we enable the microwave to heat food uniformly,” said Wang Ning, deputy general manager of Wan AI Chef.