On September 20, the 2026 World Manufacturing Conference officially kicked off at the Hefei Binhu International Convention and Exhibition Center. Themed "Smart Manufacturing for the World, Creating a Better Future," the four-day event is a major global gathering in the manufacturing sector. Boasting a massive scale, the conference features a 20,000-square-meter exhibition area showcasing manufacturing development achievements and a 50,000-square-meter market-oriented exhibition zone. Additionally, a special interactive exhibition area dedicated to the achievements of the all-domain unmanned system has been set up at Hefei Luogang Park, presenting visitors with a spectacular fusion of technology and manufacturing.
At the conference, numerous leading enterprises from Baohe District in Hefei made a strong debut with their cutting-edge technological products. A wide array of "Baohe Smart Manufacturing" achievements, spanning core fields such as robotics and embodied AI, new materials, and the low-altitude economy, were showcased, comprehensively demonstrating the region's robust strength and innovative vitality in advanced manufacturing.
In the Robotics and Embodied AI zone, the unmanned robotic store introduced by Zero Power Robotics has become a must-visit attraction. Visitors placing orders on-site can watch the robot precisely receive the order, automatically pick the items, and complete the delivery. This seamless live demonstration has drawn crowds to stop, take photos, and engage in interactive experiences. Reportedly, in addition to the smart exhibition zone, Zero Power has also set up a robotic store at the Luogang Park exhibition area. Currently, this robotic store solution has been rolled out and is in commercial operation across multiple locations in Baohe District, including China Vision Park, East Lei Street, South Lei Street, Hechai 1972, and Gong Street, successfully delivering round-the-clock unattended services on a regular basis.
In the realm of advanced manufacturing and new materials, Hefei-based enterprises also shone brightly. In the Intelligent Connected New Energy Vehicle zone, JEE Technology unveiled two "Made in Hefei" electric drive systems. One system features a highly integrated design incorporating motors, motor controllers, reducers, and on-board chargers, achieving breakthroughs in compact size, higher efficiency, and lower costs. It is now deployed in Volkswagen's global models. The other is a motor and controller system developed for Honda's world-first electric motorcycle, which has been shipped alongside the complete vehicles to numerous European countries.
In the New Materials zone, the copper-aluminum composite material developed by Huanye Metal has drawn significant attention. This innovative metal combines copper and aluminum: the outer copper layer offers excellent conductivity and corrosion resistance, while the inner aluminum layer is lightweight and cost-effective. The tightly bonded composite not only enhances overall quality but is also nearly half the weight and about 40% cheaper than pure copper. It is now widely used in NEV wiring harnesses, charging piles, and HVAC and home appliances, serving renowned clients such as BYD, CATL, Gree, and Midea. Meanwhile, Yinshi New Materials showcased three key materials for next-generation all-solid-state batteries. These powders and thin films will determine the future range and safety performance of electric vehicles. Additionally, Keshite, China's first company to develop water-jet guided laser technology, demonstrated domestic equipment that uses a water jet to guide the laser for precision cutting. This innovation has successfully broken foreign technology monopolies and can be widely applied in chip and display processing.
In the "AI + Smart Manufacturing" zone, the "Qiwen Battery World Model" launched by Hefei Guoqi Intelligence has attracted numerous battery industry professionals. This AI large model is specifically designed to provide health checks and predictive analytics for batteries. It can boost the capacity grading efficiency of retired batteries by a remarkable 85%, while enabling precise early warning for battery thermal runaway and lifespan extension control. Currently, the self-developed Biaoji series of edge intelligent hardware supporting this product has shipped over a thousand units. Moving forward, Guoqi will also build a new energy storage testing platform in Baohe District to address critical gaps in domestic energy storage testing capabilities.
At the Unmanned System Achievement Exhibition in Luogang Park, low-altitude economy products took center stage. Antwork showcased two logistics UAVs: the RA3P and the TR9S. The RA3P is dedicated to urban emergency deliveries over distances of 5 to 15 kilometers. Featuring a hex-rotor all-carbon fiber fuselage and a cargo box with real-time temperature control and anti-drop design, it has been in routine operation in cities like Hefei and Hangzhou, handling tasks such as medical blood transport and urgent document delivery. The TR9S boasts a delivery radius of 30 kilometers, a payload capacity of 9 kilograms, and enhanced wind resistance.
Nearby, EHang's EH216-S passenger-carrying aircraft has become the star attraction for visitors. As the world's first passenger eVTOL to secure all four certifications—the Type Certificate, Production Certificate, Standard Airworthiness Certificate, and Air Operator Certificate—this all-electric, 8-axis, 16-rotor aircraft can carry two passengers and perform vertical takeoffs and landings without the need for a runway. With a maximum speed of 130 km/h, it is ideal for sightseeing, urban commuting, and police patrols. Alongside it, the new-generation VT35 long-range compound-wing aircraft has also drawn considerable attention. With a fully loaded range of over 200 kilometers, it is designed for medium- to long-haul scenarios across cities, seas, and mountainous regions. Long queues formed in front of the booth as visitors eagerly lined up to experience the cabin firsthand.
Notably, leveraging the conference platform, Baohe District has also established the Baohe District Industry Promotion Lounge at the Binhu International Convention and Exhibition Center. Serving as a frontline hub for investment promotion, project matchmaking, and business negotiations, the lounge has been staffed during the event by dedicated personnel from relevant district-level departments working in shifts to systematically promote the district's industrial layout and support policies. Following the conference, the lounge will continue to operate on a regular basis, with staff deployed at various national and provincial exhibitions and industry summits. This initiative aims to transform short-term investment promotion tied to individual events into a long-term, stable outward investment strategy, thereby enhancing the quality and efficiency of the district's overall investment promotion efforts.