The World Economic Forum has officially recognized the Hisense Qingdao Factory as part of its prestigious global “Lighthouse Factory” network a milestone achievement for the company and the entire VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow) industry. This recognition marks the first time a VRF factory has ever received this top honor in the global manufacturing sector, placing Hisense at the forefront of industrial innovation.
The selection reflects the factory’s success in integrating advanced Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies into every stage of production. Hisense has implemented over 40 advanced manufacturing scenarios, with more than 20 being industry-first innovations. These advancements have boosted product development speed by 37%, improved labor productivity by 49%, and reduced production costs by 35%, setting new benchmarks for the global HVAC sector.
At the core of this success are intelligent automation and AI-driven systems. By combining machine vision, AI algorithms, and equipment interconnection, Hisense has solved more than 20 automation challenges unique to the industry. The factory introduced the first dark production workshop for heat exchangers, adaptive welding automation, and multi-stage integrated automation, along with fully unmanned packaging. In automated welding, Hisense pioneered multi-spot welding, non-uniform heating, and precision visual guidance, which increased labor efficiency by 63% and reduced defects by 57%. In logistics, the innovative use of overhead cranes further enhanced efficiency and reliability in VRF production.
The advancements extend beyond production processes. Hisense has built an AI-driven end-to-end intelligent decision-making and agile delivery operation system to strengthen its supply chain. With AR and VR technologies, employee training has become more intuitive and effective, improving skill levels and reducing onboarding time. The factory also established a KPI-driven digital twin operation platform, enabling real-time transparency, automated tracking, and proactive management across operations.
In sustainability, Hisense has leveraged IoT-enabled energy management to achieve precise monitoring and control of energy consumption. Through AI-powered optimization of high-energy equipment, the factory reduced unit energy consumption by 38%, further underlining its commitment to efficiency and environmental responsibility.
This combination of digitalization, automation, and sustainability not only boosts productivity but also creates a more inclusive and sustainable workplace. Employees benefit from safer, smarter systems and enhanced opportunities for upskilling, while the community gains from Hisense’s environmentally conscious operations.
Earning the title of the world’s first VRF Lighthouse Factory highlights Hisense’s commitment to digital transformation, technological innovation, and global leadership in the HVAC industry. Looking ahead, the company aims to keep raising its manufacturing standards, providing a digital blueprint for the HVAC sector, and contributing to the continued advancement of global manufacturing.
