SWEDISH tech group Hexagon plans to build an intelligent industrial park in Shenzhen focused on the research and development (R&D) of humanoid robots, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing. Construction is expected to begin in the third quarter of this year, according to Li Hongquan, Hexagon’s global vice president and president of Hexagon China. No further details were released. The move is part of Hexagon’s broader strategy of deepening investments in China and capitalizing on the country’s push for digital transformation and industrial innovation, Li told China Daily during a recent interview. China is the company’s largest single market, accounting for about 20% of its global revenue. Hexagon has rapidly expanded its footprint in Shenzhen since 2022, when it invested 5 billion yuan (about US$697 million) to build an industrial production base for its latest equipment. Last year, the company announced plans to invest more than US$214 million to build a new South China headquarters in Shenzhen, and operations are expected to begin by the end of this year. The headquarters, designed as an “Industry 4.0” showcase, features a global Lighthouse factory and an ecosystem intended to support the entire industrial chain. Lighthouse factories refer to the world’s most advanced factories, which are leading the way in the adoption of Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies. Josh Weiss, then president of Hexagon’s manufacturing intelligence division, said the project aims to provide customers across Southeast Asia and the wider Asian region with one-stop support for smart manufacturing, thereby accelerating industrial upgrading. He also noted Shenzhen’s advantages as a technology hub, including its vibrant ecosystem, deep talent pool, and dynamic market. The company has established an intelligent manufacturing research institute and five R&D centers in China, heavily investing in innovative technologies. It has also launched its first humanoid robot, which Hexagon says can be applied in a wide range of industrial scenarios like automotive, aerospace, transportation, warehousing, and logistics. (SD News) | 