1. Policy Driver: 8 Ministries Launch "AI + Manufacturing" Initiative to Boost Machine Tool Upgrade (Jan 7)
Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) and 7 other central departments jointly issued the Implementation Opinions on the "Artificial Intelligence + Manufacturing" Special Action, focusing on AI-enabled industrial machine tools and R&D of next-generation intelligent CNC systems. Qinchuan Machine Tool’s QCNC68 system broke overseas monopoly; its BL20-HSY turn-mill composite machine tool integrated with AI technology reduced operation and maintenance costs by 18.6%.
2. Tech Implementation: SogaWorks Launches AI Instant Quotation Platform to Accelerate Global CNC Procurement (Jan 14)
Shenzhen-based cloud manufacturing platform SogaWorks unveiled an AI-powered quotation system. By uploading CAD drawings and selecting parameters, users can get quotes in seconds—addressing the inefficiency of quoting for small-batch, multi-variety orders. The platform serves key sectors including new energy, aerospace, and medical devices.
3. International Exhibition: IMTEX Forming 2026 to Kick Off in India (Jan 21-25) (Jan 10)
Organized by the Indian Machine Tool Manufacturers’ Association (IMTMA), IMTEX Forming 2026 will gather over 600 exhibitors from 20 countries, focusing on metal forming and manufacturing technologies. Concurrent special exhibitions include Tooltech and Digital Manufacturing, fostering global tech exchange.