Taiwan’s sheet metal industry accelerates shift to Industry 5.0 with smart automation and green manufacturing

New Taipei, Taiwan , On December 2, 2025, Xindai Technology (7750), in collaboration with the Taiwan Sheet Metal Business Association and co-organised by the Taiwan Laser Sheet Metal Development Association and Sustainability Enterprises, convened a dedicated forum focused on the transformation of Taiwan’s sheet metal industry. This event marked a significant stride towards accelerating the industry’s adoption of intelligent manufacturing and sustainable production technologies, aligning with the broader industrial shift toward Industry 5.0.

Taiwan’s sheet metal sector, traditionally renowned for its precision processing capabilities, is confronting mounting pressures from international competition, labour shortages, rising energy costs, and shifting supply chains. Against this backdrop, experts at the forum underscored that the integration of smart automation, manual-robot collaboration, and green manufacturing processes stands out as pivotal for future competitiveness and sustainability.

Xindai Technology’s subsidiary, Zhengbo Laser, has leveraged its strong R&D and automation integration expertise to help industry players implement production systems that are not only more efficient and stable but also environmentally responsible. The forum showcased practical case studies including robotic arms and automated units embedded within production lines, laser integration technologies, human-machine collaboration, and AI-based inspection procedures, reflecting a comprehensive roadmap for upgrading manufacturing processes. The utilisation of AI and 5G digital management aims to address operational pain points, enhance line efficiency, and attract younger talents into the sheet metal workforce, fostering a higher-value manufacturing ecosystem.

Chen Zhengyan, General Manager of Zhengbo Laser, emphasised the foundational importance of the sheet metal industry to Taiwan’s manufacturing. Speaking at the event, he remarked, “Through shared technology and cross-industry cooperation, we aim to help the sector maintain its competitive edge globally and create sustainable value via smart manufacturing. This event is not only a technology showcase but a crucial milestone in industry exchange and strategic development.”

The Taiwan Sheet Metal Business Association’s Chairman Liu Mingjie highlighted the necessity of adopting new mindsets in facing Industry 5.0 and workforce shortages. He explained, “Our deep partnership with Xindai Group is tailored to provide a ‘low-cost smart manufacturing’ pathway for all members. Automation and human-machine collaboration are indispensable in resolving on-site challenges. Our goal is to evolve the sheet metal sector from the ‘mother of industry’ to a ‘leader in smart sustainability,’ jointly building a future of high added-value intelligent manufacturing.”

Similarly, Wang Wenyi, Chairman of the Taiwan Laser Sheet Metal Development Association, pointed out the critical role of laser processing in enhancing precision and flexibility. He noted, “Smart manufacturing is the cornerstone for real-time monitoring, flexible scheduling, and energy optimisation on production lines. Alongside Xindai and the Business Association, we hope to accelerate the industry’s move towards automation and decarbonisation, lower transformation barriers for SMEs, and cultivate globally competitive engineering talents. Such professional exchanges also help to link supply chain partners, creating new value for Taiwan’s laser sheet metal industry.”

Lin Yuanzheng, CEO of Sustainability Enterprises, added a global perspective on the shift toward localisation as companies seek to manage risks amid geopolitical supply chain pressures. He observed, “While many are attempting to block ‘red supply chains,’ competition from these chains remains fierce. The challenge for all manufacturers is achieving low-cost smart manufacturing with localisation. Our methodology supports Taiwanese firms in implementing LICM (Low-Cost Intelligent Manufacturing) tools, benefiting over 100 factories worldwide. Although our start may seem late, our mission is to help enterprises achieve LICM success.”

This forum followed earlier initiatives by Xindai Technology, including its March 2025 participation in the Taipei International Machine Tool Show, where it championed the “Road to Green”, a vision of transforming machine tools like lathes, grinders, and milling machines through cloud-based ESG energy management, AI robotics, and laser clean-energy processes. These projects illustrate the company’s broader commitment to fostering a green, intelligent, and efficient industrial ecosystem supportive of corporate sustainability goals.

Further complementing these efforts, the industry has recently witnessed educational and technical forums such as the “Industrial 5.0 Era – New Paradigm of Sheet Metal Automation and Human-Machine Collaboration” seminar hosted by Zhengbo Laser in October, and the “From Manual to Intelligent Inspection – AI-Driven Sheet Metal Transformation” conference held at Tunghai University. These events bring together scholars, policymakers, and practitioners to deepen understanding of AI applications like automatic optical inspection (AOI) and digital upgrades vital for industrial competitiveness.

Looking ahead, Xindai Group has expressed its commitment to advancing smart industrial transformations and fostering an integrated ecosystem that connects upstream and downstream partners, promoting knowledge, technology, and resource sharing. By harnessing AI, 5G, and automation, the company aims to elevate Taiwan’s manufacturing industry towards higher efficiency, lower costs, and genuine sustainability, paving a clear future blueprint for smart manufacturing that meets both economic and environmental imperatives.