(Yicai) Nov. 6 -- Products from major US industrial firms are making their global or Asian debuts at this year’s China International Import Expo, as China's manufacturing upgrade creates demand for advanced automation, artificial intelligence, digitalization, and low-carbon energy technologies.

GE Vernova is exhibiting models of its 9HA and 6F.03 gas turbines and its LM6000 Velox aeroderivative gas turbine, which can generate power using 100 percent hydrogen, as well as showcasing its direct air capture and carbon capture and storage technologies.

In addition, the Massachusetts-based energy company debuted its low-carbon energy transition sand table for the Asian market at the ninth CIIE, which opened in Shanghai yesterday, offering power system solutions tailored to the specific requirements of China’s northwestern, central, and southeastern coastal regions.

Marking its ninth consecutive appearance at the CIIE, Honeywell Technologies is participating for the first time under its new brand identity after Honeywell International split its portfolio into separate independent companies. Its exhibition stand focuses on the Forge intelligent connected industrial platform and a range of AI-powered industrial innovation solutions.

The company expects to hold more than 20 signing ceremonies at the CIIE, according to Yu Feng, president of Honeywell Technologies China. Its 500-square-metre exhibition stand showcases the results of collaborative work with more than 200 partners, he noted.

The North Carolina-based business is exhibiting seven products making their China debuts, covering eight key sectors: semiconductors, data centers, smart hotels, marine and offshore engineering, low-carbon energy, energy storage and new energy vehicles, smart healthcare, and intelligent manufacturing.

At the CIIE, Rockwell Automation is showcasing the CompactLogix 5390 controller for the very first time. It has also brought along the ControlLogix 5590 controller and the FactoryTalk ResilientEdge execution architecture. The new offerings are designed to strengthen cybersecurity, integrate safety functions, and improve industrial control performance.

China's Market Fuels Innovation

For these US companies, China is an important part of their global business and also a key market for deploying new technologies and developing innovative products.

“The CIIE is not only a platform for showcasing advanced technologies and achievements, but also one where we can feel the pulse of the market and advance hand in hand with our partners," said Xu Xin, chairman of GE Energy Investment China.

Honeywell Technologies’ commitment to deepening its presence in China will not change, regardless of the circumstances, Yu pointed out. The firm has 10 research and development and engineering hubs in the country, and its newest innovation center has joined Pudong New Area's Group Open Innovation initiative.

With rapidly evolving market needs, high standards, a sustained “engineering dividend," and a wealth of diverse application scenarios, the Chinese market serves as fertile ground for innovation to flourish, Yu said.

As China’s 15th five-year development plan period begins, the manufacturing sector is accelerating its transition toward digitalization, intelligence, sustainability, and integration, said Ian Shih, president of Rockwell Automation China. The focus for companies is shifting from improving the efficiency of a machine or production line to using data and AI to connect different levels and factories, so that practices proven effective in one plant can be replicated in others, he added.

Cooperation is also extending from product showcases to technology development in overseas markets. GE Vernova is working with China Huadian on hydrogen-blending combustion retrofits, and with China Machinery Engineering to expand into the Nigerian power market. Its project in Anji, a county in the Chinese city of Huzhou, jointly developed with CHN Energy Investment Group, has begun operation.

Rockwell Automation, meanwhile, has collected more than 500 industrial application case studies across over 100 industrial sub-sectors through its Climate Lighthouse initiative, and is helping Chinese businesses take their practical experience overseas.

Editor: Futura Costaglione