Harnessing AI to Propel China’s LED Display Industry Toward High-Quality Development

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Tingting Zhao

On 04/21/2025

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By: Li Xilin, Senior Expert, LED Display Application Branch, China Optics and Optoelectronics Manufacturers Association

Table of Contents

1. AI Leads the Fourth Industrial Revolution

The First Industrial Revolution in the 18th century was driven by the steam engine, ushering in an era of mechanization. The Second Industrial Revolution, at the end of the 19th century, brought electric power and assembly line production. The Third, in the latter half of the 20th century, was marked by computers and the internet. Now, in the 21st century, the Fourth Industrial Revolution is taking shape—characterized by the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things, quantum computing, and biotechnology. At its core is AI.

Today, AI has permeated nearly every sector—from medical diagnostics and autonomous driving to financial forecasting. In China, the rapid emergence of AI platforms like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Grok has sparked widespread interest. Domestic counterparts such as DeepSeek, Doubao, and Baidu’s ERNIE Bot have also brought AI to the masses. Notably, a performance by the Unitree humanoid robot at the 2025 Chinese New Year Gala captured nationwide attention.

As someone who has spent most of my life in the LED display industry, I believe this is both a challenge and an unprecedented opportunity. AI will significantly enhance the display quality of LED screens, especially Mini and Micro LED technologies, offering audiences a more immersive and lifelike experience. Seizing this opportunity and staying innovation-driven will lead us toward new achievements.

2. China Is Poised to Lead the Global LED Display Industry

Over four decades of reform and development have made China the recognized global leader in LED display application. We are now the world’s R&D center and manufacturing hub for LED displays, with a complete industrial supply chain and exports spanning all five continents. Compared to other industries, China’s LED sector is better equipped to withstand external pressures, including trade restrictions from the U.S.

2.1 Achievements in Metaverse Technologies (VR/AR/MR/XR)

Our accomplishments in immersive display technologies are particularly notable:

The closing ceremony and torch relay of the Chengdu Universiade.
The spectacular opening and closing ceremonies of the Hangzhou Asian Games, which showcased even more advanced applications.
National holiday light shows across major cities, including viral XR-based performances at the CCTV Tower, Qingdao TV Tower, and Guangzhou Tower.
AI-generated performances featuring lifelike renderings of late icons like Teresa Teng and foreign figures such as Trump and Putin, singing Chinese classics like “I Love You, China” with seamless lip-syncing.

All of these are striking examples of AI-powered XR, VR, MR, and AR technologies. As many experts emphasize, AI is the fundamental driving force of the metaverse.

2.2 Honoring Pioneers of China’s LED Display Industry

We owe much of our progress to several trailblazing enterprises:

Leyard Group – Pioneered fine-pitch LED displays, transitioned the industry away from manual production, and played a key role in national events like military parades.
Nanjing Lopu Co., Ltd. – Inherited rigorous military R&D traditions, excels in giant dome screens and acoustically transparent cinema screens, with exports to Japan, the U.S., and Europe.
Shenzhen Leyard Optoelectronic Co., Ltd. – Focused on COB and MiP technologies, developed adaptive Mini/Micro LED displays widely used in command centers, education, and even homes.
Absen – A global leader in LED exports and victorious in IP litigation against the U.S.
NovaStar – Set the standard for LED control systems, with standout performance at the 2024 Winter Asian Games.
Shanghai Sansi – Known for contributions to smart cities and expressway applications.
Unilumin – Gained prominence through high-end virtual production for events like the CCTV Spring Festival Gala.
AOTO – Pioneered virtual studios and holographic projection solutions.
XIDA (Chongqing) – Backed by optical legends like Wang Daheng and Xu Xurong, holds numerous technical patents.
Silan Microelectronics & Mekale (Hangzhou) – Provide full-stack LED chip, packaging, measurement, and standardization solutions.

With AI’s support, these companies are poised to achieve even greater success.

3. AI Will Usher in a New Era for Mini/Micro LED Displays

3.1 AI-Enhanced Visuals

AI can create stunning visual content and apply effects like panning, zooming, and rotating, resulting in dynamic displays that are far more engaging than static ones.

3.2 Real Glasses-Free 3D

Conventional corner-based naked-eye 3D offers only a limited sweet spot. AI-powered displays can render 3D visuals from any viewing angle. A prime example is Nezha 2, a blockbuster that captivated audiences worldwide largely thanks to its immersive 3D visuals.

3.3 Personalized 3D Content

AI enables vivid 3D animations from still photos, allowing characters to blink, nod, sing, or speak—making viewers feel as if they’re personally running, flying, or exploring space.

AI is particularly suited to Mini/Micro LED displays, ensuring optimal visual quality and cost-efficiency across all market segments. Coupled with 3D sound systems, AI-generated multi-dimensional content will offer truly immersive experiences, vastly improving the competitiveness of China’s LED industry on the global stage.

Conclusion

The 20th Central Committee’s Third Plenary Session has made it clear: high-quality development is China’s top priority. President Xi Jinping emphasizes the need for intelligent, high-end, and green manufacturing. Premier Li Qiang’s government report underscores the importance of smart transformation—highlighting intelligent vehicles, AI smartphones, and smart robotics as key pillars.

LED displays are an essential part of this transformation from “Made in China” to “Intelligently Made in China.” As the 14th Five-Year Plan concludes and the 15th begins, AI-powered Mini/Micro LED displays will take center stage. For every industry leader, expert, and entrepreneur: it’s time to roll up our sleeves and get to work.