From assembly lines humming with predictive maintenance algorithms to logistics networks optimized by machine learning, Asia's industries are embracing artificial intelligence (AI) to unlock unprecedented efficiency gains. This fusion of cutting-edge technology and traditional economic sectors – dubbed 'AI + real economy' – is reshaping production models and redefining competitiveness across the region.
At smart factories in the Chinese mainland, AI-powered systems now autonomously adjust production schedules based on real-time demand signals, reducing waste by up to 30% in pilot programs. Meanwhile, Vietnamese textile manufacturers employ computer vision to inspect fabrics at 10 times human speed, while South Korean shipbuilders use digital twins to simulate vessel designs before cutting steel.
"We're witnessing a fundamental shift in how value gets created," explains Huang Ying, a Zhejiang University professor specializing in industrial innovation. "AI isn't just automating tasks – it's enabling entirely new business models through data-driven decision-making."
The transformation extends beyond manufacturing. Agricultural drones in Thailand analyze crop health across thousands of acres daily, while Indonesian fintech platforms leverage natural language processing to expand financial inclusion. Analysts predict these AI-driven productivity gains could add $4.4 trillion annually to Asia's economy by 2030.
For investors, the convergence presents both opportunities and challenges. While automation may disrupt traditional employment patterns, it simultaneously creates demand for AI maintenance specialists, data ethicists, and human-machine collaboration managers. Governments across Asia are responding with upskilling initiatives, including Singapore's AI Apprenticeship Program and India's National AI Portal.
As the region accelerates its digital transition, the 'AI + real economy' paradigm appears poised to redefine Asia's role in global supply chains – making technological adaptability the new cornerstone of economic resilience.
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Enterprises embrace 'AI + real economy' to drive efficiency gains
cgtn.com