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Chinese battery producer CATL is integrating AI into its strategy to drive innovation and efficiency. CEO Robin Zeng envisions AI as a critical enabler of breakthroughs in battery technology, particularly in developing solutions like fast-charging batteries, energy storage systems, and electrified airplanes. CATL is leveraging AI in research and development to discover next-generation battery materials, with a team of 20,000 researchers focused on maintaining its global market leadership.
Internally, AI is deployed to streamline operations, including predictive maintenance, optimizing supply chain logistics, and automating routine tasks to reduce operational costs. Additionally, CATL enhances customer experience by using AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants to offer personalized, 24/7 support.
In 2021, CATL partnered with Tencent Cloud to build an AI innovation base. This collaboration focuses on using Tencent’s AI infrastructure and computer vision expertise to tackle quality inspection challenges in new energy technologies, boosting CATL’s R&D capabilities for high-level electric batteries.
2024 AI-related highlights
- Sets up Hong Kong R&D center, which will focus on AI-driven research for innovative energy materials, highlighting a shift in battery technology development. (Mar 2024)
- Receives a design patent for a graphic user interface that enhances human-computer interaction, utilizing AI technology. (Aug 2024)
- Plans to build a supercomputing center for future AI models to enhance AI model capabilities, accelerating R&D and maintaining a competitive edge in future technological advancements. (Sept 2024)
- Leveraging AI in its R&D efforts to innovate next-generation battery materials, aiming for market leadership. (Sept 2024)