March 29, 2025, 16:10:21 | Source: CCTV News Client
As a global bellwether in technological innovation, the 2025 Zhongguancun Forum Annual Meeting adopted the theme “New Quality Productive Forces and Global Sci-Tech Cooperation,” featuring five major sections—forum conferences, technology transactions, and achievement releases—with a total of 128 events. During the annual meeting, the Zhongguancun Exhibition Center’s permanent display also made a grand reappearance. So, what are the highlights of this year’s forum compared to previous editions?
AI Takes Center Stage with a Dedicated Theme Day
This year’s forum focused on innovative technologies, aiming to create a theme that spans from R&D to application, forming a complete industrial chain and ecosystem, while providing an international exchange platform for attendees.
Artificial intelligence has emerged as the “leading goose” in this wave of technological revolution and industrial transformation. Today marked the AI Theme Day at the forum, featuring 18 sub-forums in just one day, including:
- China Embodied Intelligence Conference
- AI Empowering Digital Transformation in Large Enterprises Forum
- Medical AI Innovation and Development Forum
These discussions emphasized the deep integration of AI across industries, accelerating the practical application of cutting-edge technologies like embodied robots and brain-computer interfaces.
Robot Showcase: A Star-Studded Lineup
Humanoid robots stole the spotlight this year, showcasing more tangible advancements than last year’s event. Highlights included:
- Robotic arms performing piano pieces
- Robots playing football
A robot training ground was even set up on-site, where a robot had to autonomously navigate a 10-meter track with varying terrains—uphill, downhill, and gravel paths. This seemingly simple task was made possible by the convergence of AI large models, bionic technology, and new materials.
Expanding the “Circle of Friends”: Boosting Global Sci-Tech Collaboration
Beyond cutting-edge tech, the forum’s growing scale reflects its strengthened international collaboration. This year, it attracted:
- Over 1,000 participants from 100+ countries and regions
- 2,000+ innovative enterprises
Discussions spanned latest R&D trends, nurturing new quality productive forces, and key topics like earth sciences and the Belt and Road Initiative, alongside BRICS technological innovation and international cooperation.
The “Invest in Beijing” Conference, held during the forum, secured 60 billion RMB in signed contracts across 30 key projects. International attendees praised Zhongguancun’s independent innovation capabilities, highlighting Beijing’s role as a global sci-tech leader and China’s commitment to high-level openness.
Editor: Zheng Ling | Comments subject to platform guidelines.
