In order to accelerate the application of artificial intelligence technology in laser equipment and laser processing, and to enhance the intelligent level of laser equipment, the Centre proposes to set up the Institute of Laser Artificial Intelligence and Automation Technology according to the Centre's construction plan and overall layout. To ensure the feasibility of the construction programme and project layout, the Centre held a discussion meeting on the construction programme and three-year development plan of the Institute of Artificial Intelligence in Hangzhou on 25 December.

The meeting invited Tan Jianrong, academician of Chinese Academy of Engineering and professor of Zhejiang University, Liu Qiang, professor of Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Mei Xuesong, professor of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Cao Yanlong and Xu Li, professors of Zhejiang University, and Qian Juchao, researcher of Shanghai Jiaotong University to form an expert group, with academician Tan as the group leader. The leaders of the Centre, Xu Zhuliang, Zhou Jianzhong and the heads of relevant departments (institutes) attended the meeting.

The meeting was opened by Deputy Director Xu, and Deputy Director Zhou reported the construction of the Centre to the participating experts. Then Ling Mijun, head of the preparatory group and assistant director of the Centre, made a detailed report on the positioning objectives, construction programme, three-year plan and projects to be launched in 2025 of the AI Institute.

After listening to the report, the participating experts fully affirmed the construction achievements of the Centre, and highly affirmed the positioning of the construction programme for the formation of a new generation of intelligent manufacturing technology to empower industrial development by fusing artificial intelligence technology with advanced manufacturing technology represented by lasers. They also conducted an in-depth demonstration and discussion on the projects to be implemented in the near future, and a number of projects have important innovative values and application potentials.

At the same time, the participating experts made many constructive comments and suggestions. Professor Liu proposed that AI should be implemented into specific equipment and application scenarios, starting from simple, easy to implement, and mechanism models in a gradual manner. We can learn from the practice of Mazak and Demagi intelligent machine tools to do some expert knowledge system first. Professor Mei suggested that the research direction of individual projects was slightly broad and needed to be more focused, while aiming at applications in the next five years and doing some forward-looking research.

Academician Tan made a concluding speech, fully affirming the construction programme and putting forward three suggestions: (1) It should focus on the accumulation of basic data and the establishment of scene-specific process databases to support the in-depth study of related projects; (2) It should progress step by step, focusing on the formation of software, hardware, and other products focusing on specific industrial scenarios; (3) AI technology-enabled equipment involves multi-disciplinary and multi-professional technologies, and the Centre should focus on the collaborative management of projects across institutes and organisations.

Finally, on behalf of the Centre, Deputy Director Xu thanked the participating experts for their strong support and guidance. Xu said that the symposium is not only an important milestone in the development of IISI, but also a bright light to illuminate the road ahead. It not only outlines a clear blueprint for the next step of the Institute's work, but also points out the direction and practical path of our work. We warmly welcome all the experts to visit our centre and look forward to more in-depth cooperation with them and their teams in scientific research projects, talent teams and results transformation.