Otis Global President Judy: AI will not replace technicians with professional engineering knowledge.

Topic: China Development Forum 2026 Annual Meeting

The China Development Forum 2026 Annual Meeting will be held in Beijing from March 22 to 23. At the “Special Discussion on the Digital and Intelligent Transformation of Manufacturing,” Zudi Zhu, Chairman of the Board, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Otis Global, said that the global manufacturing industry is undergoing a profound transformation. Digital technology can not only improve efficiency, but also reshape how products are designed, manufactured, operated, and maintained throughout their entire lifecycle. It is also reshaping the relationship between manufacturing and services across multiple industries.

Zudi Zhu emphasized that factories are no longer just places for assembling products. They are now deeply linked with downstream services, covering data production, data installation, and ongoing operations. Through close integration with digital systems, this connection helps improve quality, reduce discrepancies, support more timely services, and extend equipment uptime.

Zudi Zhu introduced that digitalization makes the manufacturing process more flexible. With intelligent production systems supported by automation and data, manufacturers can meet the personalized needs of different building types and customers. In the vertical transportation industry, as cities become increasingly complex and buildings more highly customized, this adaptability becomes even more important. At the same time, advances in analytics technology and AI are gradually playing a significant role in equipment monitoring and maintenance.

She emphasized that, on the premise of responsible use, these technologies help identify operating patterns, forecast maintenance needs, and improve operational safety. What is especially critical is that in the vertical transportation industry, AI will not replace technical personnel with professional engineering knowledge; it will only serve as a supplement to their work. Zudi Zhu believes that only when technology can enhance human judgment, experience, and sense of responsibility can it deliver its greatest value

Zudi Zhu emphasized that AI is a cornerstone for the development of China’s new quality productive forces. In the elevator sector, AI helps manage logistics and passenger flows in real time, forecast equipment maintenance needs weeks in advance, and improve safety through advanced monitoring. Artificial intelligence can turn data generated in manufacturing and service processes into insights, thereby enabling new value-added service models and sources of revenue, while also ensuring more stable long-term operation of equipment.

Sina Statement: All meeting transcripts are compiled from live notes on-site. They have not been reviewed by the speakers. Sina.com publishes this article for the purpose of conveying more information, and does not imply endorsement of its viewpoints or confirmation of its descriptions.

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责任编辑：李思阳