General Science launches AI lab with research partners

Wuxi, China – Chinese tire maker General Science has established a joint artificial intelligence laboratory with two Chinese research institutes to accelerate the use of AI across its operations.

The Jiangsu province-based tire manufacturer signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Nanjing Artificial Intelligence Innovation Institute and Nanjing Fangcun Zhiwei Technology on June 23 to establish a “Comprehensive Artificial Intelligence Application Innovation Laboratory.”

The institute will focus on developing “large-scale AI models,” “edge intelligence” and “intelligent decision-making” technologies for the tire industry, as well as working on industry standards, ecosystem development and talent development, the partners said.

General Sciences said the initiative is part of its broader AI strategy, with applications in research and development, procurement, manufacturing, safety and marketing.

At the signing ceremony, Chairman Jia Guorong said that intelligent transformation remains “the company’s core strategic direction” and the partnership is “an important step to improve our AI innovation ecosystem.”

Jia said he expects the three organizations to “make the most of their respective strengths” and address the common technological challenges facing the industry.

This will accelerate General Science’s plans to achieve both “Lighthouse Factory” and “Lead Factory” certification during China’s next 15th Five-Year Plan period, he said.

According to General Science, Nanjing Fangcun Zhiwei is a “national-level specialized and innovative small mega-enterprise” with “full-stack self-developed capabilities, including AI chips, platforms, and algorithms.”

According to the tire maker, the partner also has amassed “rich experience in industrializing lightweight AI and edge computing.”