China will accelerate the development of atomic-scale manufacturing by integrating technological and industrial innovations, according to the 2024 Equipment Manufacturing Forum in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality.
The four-day event, which began on Monday, focused on intelligent, green, and integrated equipment. It gathered officials, industry experts, scholars and representatives from international organizations, enterprises and financial institutions, to discuss trends and explore development opportunities in the sector, according to the organizers.
The forum featured over 40 events, including a main session, thematic forums, roundtable discussions, matchmaking events, and exhibitions, providing a platform for collaboration and exchange.
Mao Junfeng, deputy director of the Department of High and New Technology at China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), noted that China is strategically advancing industries such as atomic-scale manufacturing, quantum technology, and clean hydrogen.
Atomic-scale manufacturing, which involves processing at the atomic level to create devices and products with specific atomic-scale structural characteristics, is seen as the future of manufacturing.
Compared to traditional manufacturing, it offers unparalleled precision and is regarded as the ultimate form of manufacturing technology.
"Take atomic-scale manufacturing as an example. We believe that China's atomic-scale manufacturing is at a critical juncture, transitioning from theoretical innovation and key technological breakthroughs to industrialization," said Mao.
Looking ahead, the MIIT plans to strengthen innovation-driven growth by launching major national projects in atomic-scale manufacturing and issuing implementation guidelines on the sector's innovative development to enhance its ecosystem.
Moreover, efforts will focus on integrating atomic-scale manufacturing with strategic sectors such as high-end equipment, aerospace, and new materials, driving their leap-forward development.
China accelerates development of atomic-scale manufacturing industry: official
