Review of the Forum on the Development of Future Simulation Technologies Driven by Artificial Intelligence

21 October 2026

On October 21, 2026, the Forum on the Development of Future Simulation Technologies Driven by Artificial Intelligence, one of the parallel forums of the 2026 World Science and Technology Development Forum, was held at Chongqing Science Hall. The forum was hosted by the Asian Simulation Federation and co-organized by the Chongqing Artificial Intelligence Society, the International Innovation Institute of Beihang University in Hangzhou, Chongqing University, Chongqing University of Technology, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, the Chongqing Computer Society, the Zhejiang Artificial Intelligence Society, China Association for Science and Technology New Technology Development Center Co., Ltd., and other organizations. It attracted more than 300 representatives from universities, research institutes, industry enterprises, and science and technology organizations in China and abroad, including approximately 40 young engineers and doctoral students from universities in northern China and southwestern China.

The forum focused on the deep integration of artificial intelligence with modeling and simulation. It explored cutting-edge areas such as digital twins, industrial intelligent agents, world models, and trustworthy artificial intelligence. The program included exchanges on international standardization achievements, the unveiling of a cooperation platform, keynote presentations, roundtable discussions, audience Q&A, and an exhibition of achievements. Participants discussed pathways for applying intelligent simulation in advanced manufacturing, industrial upgrading, and sustainable development.

Highlights from the Forum on the Development of Future Simulation Technologies Driven by Artificial Intelligence

From virtual simulations of complex systems to engineering validation in real-world scenarios, and from the development of internationally recognized rules and standards to the international training of young scientific and technological talent, the forum connected cutting-edge research, industrial needs, and international cooperation, providing a platform for exchange and collaboration to promote the deeper integration of scientific and technological innovation with industrial innovation.

Bringing Together Innovation from Multiple Sectors and Building a Platform for Cross-Disciplinary Exchange

Among representatives of scientific and technological organizations and local associations for science and technology were DING Jian, Member of the Party Leadership Group and Vice Chairman of the Chongqing Association for Science and Technology; Weng Jingnong, Secretary-General of the Asia Simulation Federation, Professor at Beihang University, and former Executive Director of the United Nations-affiliated Regional Centre for Space Science and Technology Education in Asia and the Pacific (China); Manze Hussein Somal, Founding Chairman of the Economic Cooperation Organization Science Foundation and recipient of the 2020 Chinese Government Friendship Award; and MA Yan, President of the Chongqing Artificial Intelligence Society.

Among university leaders and international experts were WANG Guoyin, Secretary of the Party Committee of Chongqing Normal University; David LópezPérez, Western Dean of the Sino-Western Intelligent College at Beihang University and Professor at the Universitat Politècnica de València, Spain; Mohammad S. Obaidat, former President of the International Society for Modeling and Simulation, IEEE Life Fellow, and Professor at the University of Jordan; ZHANG Yicheng, Director of the Swiss AI Lab and Member of the European Academy of Sciences; YANG Xianyi, Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering, Director of the Advanced Robotics and Intelligent Systems Laboratory, and tenured Professor at the University of Guelph, Canada; LI Jian, Vice President of Chongqing University; MA Teng, Vice President of Wuhan University of Science and Technology; and ZHANG Xiaohong, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of Chongqing University of Technology.

Representatives of university departments and research platforms included PAN Zhigeng, Chief Scientist of a National Key Research and Development Program project and Director of the Metaverse and Embodied Intelligence Laboratory at Beihang University’s International Innovation Institute; LI Yawei, Director, and JIN Shengli, Deputy Director, of the State Key Laboratory of Advanced Refractories in Wuhan; GE Haiwen, Deputy Director of the International Research Center for Carbon Neutrality at the International Innovation Institute of Beihang University in Hangzhou (International School of Beihang University); CHEN Bingcai, Dean of the School of Computer Science and Engineering at Chongqing University of Technology; TANG Ting, Senior Researcher at the Artificial Intelligence Research Institute of Chongqing Ruanjiang Turing Artificial Intelligence Technology Co., Ltd.; YANG Chun, Director of the Office of International Cooperation and Exchange and Director of the International Student Affairs Management Center at Chongqing University; TAN Jiawan, Executive Deputy Director of the Institute of Modern Water Conservancy and Water Transport Science and Technology Innovation at Chongqing Jiaotong University; DONG Jiling, Associate Dean of the School of Metallurgy and Power Engineering at Chongqing University of Science and Technology; and the person responsible for intelligent research at the State Key Laboratory of Intelligent Manufacturing Systems for Complex Products.

Representatives from industry and engineering included ZHENG Daoqin, Founder and Chairman of Zhongke Yaoluchuan Information Technology Co., Ltd.; CUI Taisong, Deputy General Manager of Changan Automobile Engineering Research Institute; GAN Lili, General Manager of the International Business Department of China Water Environment Group; FANG Yanyan, Deputy General Manager of Guolian Automotive Power Battery Research Institute Co., Ltd.; ZHANG Sai, Chief Expert at China Automotive Technology and Research Center Co., Ltd.; WANG Zhendong, Chief Technology Officer of the Embodied Intelligence Innovation Center at Lingdi (Zhejiang) Technology Co., Ltd.; and ZHANG Shuai, Chairman of Nanjing Shiwanmo Information Technology Co., Ltd.

Forum Guests

The opening ceremony was hosted by Professor Yang Xiaohui, Vice Secretary-General of the Asia Simulation Federation.

Prof. Yang Xiaohui, Vice Secretary-General of the Asian Simulation Federation, hosted the opening ceremony of the parallel forum.

Using Intelligence as Our Wings and Simulation as Our Bridge to Build an Ecosystem for Cross-Sector Collaborative Innovation

“Simulation is a key technological foundation for connecting the physical and digital worlds in the age of artificial intelligence”. In his opening remarks, Prof. Weng Jingnong, Secretary-General of the Asia Simulation Federation, noted that simulation provides a safe and reliable virtual environment for training and validating artificial intelligence algorithms, while AI makes simulation smarter and more efficient. The two technologies reinforce each other, opening up new approaches to understanding complex systems, validating critical decisions, reducing the cost of trial and error, and accelerating the application of innovations.

The Asia Simulation Federation will build on its strong foundation in Asia while engaging globally to promote openness, trust, and cooperation within the international scientific community. It will advance the role of simulation from supporting validation to being driven by intelligence. Through initiatives such as establishing a home for members and a talent pipeline for internships at international organizations, the Federation aims to connect international resources with local needs and deepen academic exchange, standards development, talent cultivation, and the translation of research outcomes into practical applications.

The Federation looks forward to working with all parties to build an ecosystem for cross-sector collaborative innovation that integrates “AI + Simulation”. It also invites colleagues from around the world to attend the 2026 Global Simulation Conference, which will be held in Hangzhou this November.

Professor Weng Jingnong, Secretary-General of the Asia Simulation Federation, Delivers Remarks

Presenting International Standardization Achievements and Advancing Cross-Platform Simulation Collaboration

During the presentation of international standardization achievements, the person responsible for intelligent research at the State Key Laboratory of Intelligent Manufacturing Systems for Complex Products introduced ISO 21175-1:2026, Simulation Interoperability Environment for Heterogeneous Manufacturing Platforms—Part 1. Led by a team of Chinese scientists and jointly developed by experts from multiple countries, the standard provides a unified framework for cross-platform simulation, promoting model reuse, tool integration, and resource sharing.

In a video presentation, LI Bohu, Honorary Director of the Advisory Committee of the Asian Simulation Federation and Member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering; Dov Dori, Professor at the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology and inventor of Object-Process Methodology (OPM); and Professor Axel Lehmann, Chair of the Advisory Committee of the Asian Simulation Alliance, German scholar, and former President of the Society for Modeling and Simulation International, explained the standard’s technical value and practical significance. They discussed the on-demand development of collaborative simulation applications in complex environments, the establishment of a general framework for cross-platform co-simulation, and the development of a common modeling foundation.

Professor ZHANG Lin, President of the Asian Simulation Federation, noted that this is the first ISO standard in manufacturing simulation led by China, marking a significant milestone. The Federation will work with the European Simulation Federation and the Society for Modeling and Simulation International to promote the standard’s global adoption and implementation.

Presentation of the ISO 21175-1:2026 International Standard

A video presentation highlighting the value of the standard and plans for its international promotion.

Establishing the Member Center in Chongqing and Expanding the International Organization’s Service Network

The forum held an unveiling ceremony for the Asia Simulation Federation Member Center (Chongqing University of Technology). Secretary-General WENG Jingnong and Deputy Party Committee Secretary ZHANG Xiaohong jointly unveiled the plaque.

As an important platform for connecting with members of the Asian Simulation Federation and improving member services, the Member Center will leverage the Federation's international membership network and expert resources to strengthen communication with members in China and abroad, gain a deeper understanding of their development needs, and promote information sharing, academic exchange, and resource matching among members. It will further improve the quality of member services and support members in expanding opportunities for exchange and cooperation and participating in international collaboration in simulation science and technology.

Unveiling of the Asia Simulation Federation Member Center (Chongqing University of Technology)

Establishing Internship Placement Bases for International Organizations

Expanding International Training Opportunities for Young Talent

The forum also held unveiling ceremonies for the Asia Simulation Federation Internship Placement Bases for International Organizations. Vice Chairman DING Jian, Vice President LI Jian, Secretary-General WENG Jingnong, and President MA Yan jointly unveiled the plaque for the Chongqing University base. Vice Chairman DING Jian, Vice President MA Teng, Secretary-General WENG Jingnong, and President MA Yan jointly unveiled the plaque for the Wuhan University of Science and Technology base.

The two university bases will focus on internship opportunities at international organizations and strengthen links between universities and international science and technology organizations. They will provide young students with practical opportunities to understand how international science and technology organizations operate, participate in cross-cultural exchange, and engage in international scientific and technological cooperation, while developing a pipeline of young talent to support the Asian Simulation Alliance’s ongoing international cooperation.

Unveiling Ceremony for the Asian Simulation Federation International Organization Internship Talent Base (Chongqing University)

Unveiling Ceremony for the Asia Simulation Federation International Organization Internship Talent Base (Wuhan University of Science and Technology)

Four Keynote Presentations Focus on Key Directions in Integration and Innovation

The keynote session was chaired by Professor PANG Zhigeng. Four experts shared cutting-edge developments in the integration of artificial intelligence and modeling and simulation, covering system-level simulation and digital twins, personal AI agents, artificial intelligence safety, and biomimetic intelligence and autonomous robotics.

Professor David López Pérez delivered a presentation entitled “Integrating Theoretical Models and Machine Learning Models in Advanced System-Level Simulators and Digital Twins”. Using future mobile communication networks as an example, he introduced GIULIA, an open-source system-level simulation platform. Focusing on the trade-off between network performance and energy consumption, he explored the integration of theoretical models, machine learning, and GPU-accelerated computing. Using real-world urban and network data, the platform supports deployment scenario analysis and parameter optimization, providing support for prediction and decision-making in complex networks.

Professor David López Pérez Delivers a Keynote Presentation

Professor ZHANG Yicheng delivered a presentation entitled “The Second Half of the AI Revolution—The Era of Personal Empowerment: Simulation, Virtual Try-On, and Digital Doppelgängers in AI Agents”. He proposed developing personal AI agents based on individual needs, interests, and autonomous choices. Drawing on applications such as meeting assistants, virtual try-on, and digital doppelgängers, he explored how simulation can help AI agents understand situations in advance, compare options, and assess consequences, enabling artificial intelligence to better enhance individuals’ judgment and ability to act.

Professor ZHANG Yicheng Delivers a Keynote Presentation

Professor Mohammad S. Obaidat delivered a presentation entitled “A Novel Approach to AI-Based Clean-Label Data Poisoning Attacks”. He highlighted the concealed risks of attacks in which labels remain correct while sample features are subtly manipulated. He also introduced related attack mechanisms and generation methods, discussed research directions such as deep representation analysis, robustness, and adversarial training, and emphasized that the reliable application of artificial intelligence requires data security and model performance to be considered together.

Professor Mohammad S. Obaidat Delivers a Keynote Presentation

Professor YANG Xianyi delivered a presentation entitled “From Biomimetic Intelligence to Autonomous Robots”. He drew on biological movement and adaptive mechanisms to develop ideas for robot design and control. Combining research on neural dynamics, motion control, and multi-robot collaboration, he explained how biomimetic intelligence supports robotic perception, decision-making, and autonomous action, offering methodological insights for the development of embodied intelligence.

Professor YANG Xianyi Delivers a Keynote Presentation

New Book Signing and Discussion Promote Open Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence

During the forum, Professor ZHANG Yicheng held a book-signing event for his new book, Faint Candlelight: The PA Era and the Rise and Fall of Humanity. He signed and gave away approximately 100 copies and exchanged views with participants on personal AI agents and the social impact of artificial intelligence. The event extended the technical discussions in the presentations into technology-related reading and public engagement. Discussions focused on how artificial intelligence can empower individuals and how technological development can respond to human needs, providing an opportunity to explore the opportunities and challenges arising from the transformation driven by artificial intelligence.

Professor ZHANG Yicheng Discusses His New Book with Participants at the Signing Event

Roundtable Discussion Focuses on Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence

Exploring Key Pathways to Real-World Implementation

The roundtable discussion was moderated by BAI Chenyang, a host from Chongqing Broadcasting Group (Chongqing Radio and Television). Professor Somol, Vice President MA Teng, Vice Director JIN Shengli, General Manager GAN Lili, Researcher TANG Ting, Chairman ZHENG Daoqin, and Deputy General Manager CUI Taisong participated in the discussion, which covered open collaboration, industrial applications, and safety validation.

Roundtable Participants Discuss Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence and Industrial Applications

Regarding open collaboration and talent development, Professor Somol proposed lowering the barriers for developing countries to participate in artificial intelligence research through open-source simulation tools, shared facilities, and two-way talent exchanges, thereby establishing equitable and sustainable knowledge partnerships. Drawing on research into watershed ecological management, Vice President MA Teng emphasized the importance of integrating data, mechanisms, and validation. He also proposed promoting interdisciplinary integration between artificial intelligence and traditional disciplines while strengthening young researchers’ independent thinking, interdisciplinary research, and capabilities in AI ethics and safety.

Regarding industrial applications and model trustworthiness, Vice Director JIN Shengli pointed out that the reliability of high-temperature material simulations depends on fundamental information, including material parameters, boundary conditions, and physicochemical behavior. He emphasized the need to define the applicability of simulation results in specific scenarios. Drawing on practical experience in water environment management, General Manager GAN Lili stressed that models should balance predictive capability, physical interpretability, and the explainability of results. She also highlighted the need to consider the energy and water consumption associated with increasing computing capacity so that technological innovation can better support green development.

Regarding real-world data and safety validation, Researcher TANG Ting proposed using independent data from real industrial components to test industrial CT models. Chairman ZHENG Daoqin emphasized improving the availability of spatial data through innovations in sensing technologies to narrow the gap between simulation and reality. Deputy General Manager CUI Taisong pointed out that autonomous driving involves unknown and long-tail scenarios, making extensive real-vehicle and road testing necessary to address the limitations of simulation. Collectively, these discussions highlighted a key issue: the deeper integration of artificial intelligence and simulation into industrial applications requires clearly defined boundaries of model trustworthiness and stronger validation in real-world scenarios.

On-Site Discussions Address Engineering Challenges and Deepen Cross-Disciplinary Exchange

During the on-site Q&A session, participants exchanged views with experts on issues including autonomous driving safety validation, multiscale simulation, Chinese industrial software, and mining intelligence. In response to a question about simulation reliability raised by YIN Zhaolei, Deputy Director of the Power Dispatching and Control Center of State Grid Chengde Power Supply Company, Deputy General Manager CUI Taisong emphasized that autonomous driving simulation should be supplemented by extensive real-vehicle and road testing. Responding to Deputy General Manager FANG Yanyan’s question about multiscale simulation, Deputy Director JIN Shengli proposed advancing the integration of multiple scales and physical fields alongside computational acceleration. Addressing industrial software innovation, a topic raised by Chief Expert ZHANG Sai, Deputy General Manager CUI Taisong noted that artificial intelligence can support agent-based computing, workflow orchestration, and collaborative optimization, while solving problems based on physical mechanisms remains an important foundation. In response to a mining application challenge raised by SUN Liang, Chief Engineer of Shanxi Jinshen Shaping Coal Industry Co., Ltd., under Jinneng Holding Group, Vice President MA Teng recommended tailoring solutions to specific scenarios and adhering to the principle of “one tailored strategy for each area”, using high-quality data to improve model practicality.

Participants Exchange Views with Experts on Engineering Application Challenges

From Foundational Tools to Industrial Applications: An Exhibition Showcases Intelligent Simulation in Practice

An exhibition area was set up outside the academic lecture hall to showcase simulation and computing tools, industrial applications, and cutting-edge research achievements. By connecting the technical methods presented in the talks with products, systems, and application cases, the exhibition provided participants with a space to learn about technological developments, discuss engineering needs, and explore potential collaborations.

Simulation algorithms and software form the foundation of engineering analysis and intelligent applications. Linctex (Zhejiang) Technology Co., Ltd. showcased technologies related to flexible-object simulation and digital design, demonstrating the application of physical simulation in fields such as textiles and apparel, as well as efforts to extend these technologies into physical AI and embodied intelligence. Beida Feiyi presented next-generation CAE algorithm engines and related technologies for AI surrogate models, covering structural, fluid, dynamic, electromagnetic, and thermal analysis. These two exhibits approached the subject from the perspectives of flexible-object modeling and engineering computation, respectively, illustrating how simulation tools are evolving to address different research objects and application needs.

For manufacturing and robotics applications, the Wuhan University of Science and Technology team showcased “Zhurong · Refractory Intelligent Manufacturing” and related achievements. The team introduced applications that combine industry knowledge, materials research, and simulation analysis in areas such as knowledge-based question answering, materials optimization, process analysis, and digital twins. Videos demonstrated robot training and simulation applications associated with LIMX DREAMACTOR by LimX Dynamics, showing how virtual environments help connect robot learning and training with deployment in real-world settings. These exhibits reflected the forum’s focus on using artificial intelligence to empower complex industrial systems.

Simulation applications also extend to environmental management and public health education. A video from AQUASAGE demonstrated model configuration, simulation computation, and result output for water treatment processes, providing an example of how simulation can support process analysis and the comparison of different solutions. Nanjing Shi Wang Me Information Technology Co., Ltd. showcased content related to a mixed-reality (MR) science education center on eye health across the life cycle, exploring the integration of mixed-reality technology with health education and demonstrating another way digital technologies can serve work and daily life.

Cutting-edge research provides methodological support for industrial applications. Professor GE Haiwen’s team showcased research achievements in complex-flow simulation and optimization, covering scenarios such as spraying, combustion, ignition, cooling, and spin coating. The team also introduced its exploration of integrating machine learning with simulation methods. By focusing on the analysis and optimization of complex physical processes, this research complemented the computational tools, materials research, and engineering applications showcased at the exhibition, highlighting the connection between fundamental methodological research and industrial technology needs.

The Asia Simulation Federation's thematic exhibition further expanded opportunities for on-site exchange and helped connect resources among international scientific and technological organizations, university teams, and local enterprises. Complementing the academic presentations and roundtable discussions, the exhibition enabled participants to move beyond technical principles to discuss product capabilities, applicable scenarios, and engineering requirements, promoting collaboration between research outcomes and practical applications.

Forum Exhibition Area

Building on Local Innovation Scenarios to Deepen International Talent Development and Research Collaboration

In an interview with Chongqing Daily, Professor Pérez discussed wireless communications research, noting that Chongqing’s mountainous terrain and clusters of high-rise buildings create complex signal-propagation conditions for drone communications. These conditions also make Chongqing a challenging real-world “stress-testing ground” for evaluating related technologies. Chongqing’s manufacturing base and diverse application needs offer opportunities for research collaboration in areas such as future communications and drones. Discussing the development of future industries, Professor Pérez emphasized the importance of talent development. Drawing on practical experience in Sino-Western collaborative education, he noted that enabling students and researchers from different countries to study and conduct research together is an important foundation for long-term collaboration. This reflects an approach to cooperation that promotes knowledge sharing through talent exchanges and drives collaborative innovation in response to real-world needs.

Professor David López Pérez Gives an Interview

Upholding Scientific Validation to Advance the Industrial Application of Intelligent Simulation

In an interview with Chongqing Daily, Professor Obaidat noted that large AI models have broad application prospects in simulation modeling. They can assist with generating simulation code, building models, and optimizing designs, but their role is that of an “assistant”, not an “engine”. While accelerating exploration and improving efficiency, results must still be rigorously validated against physical laws and empirical data. Regarding the large-scale application of simulation technologies, he emphasized the need to prioritize problems such as fragmented data in real-world scenarios, software incompatibility, and the lack of open standards and validation frameworks. Professor Obaidat argued that China’s concentrated manufacturing clusters, green computing resources, engineering talent, and relatively rapid feedback loops between virtual models and actual production provide advantages for advancing AI-driven simulation. He recommended deepening industry–academia–research and international collaboration, jointly developing research and testing platforms, providing sustained support for simulation algorithms and scientific software development, and conducting interdisciplinary research on major engineering and scientific challenges.

Professor Mohammad S. Obaidat Gives an Interview

This forum addressed key issues in the integration of artificial intelligence and simulation, bringing together cutting-edge academic exchange, achievements in international standards, the development of collaborative platforms, and the cultivation of young talent. The Members’ Hub connected international scientific and technological resources with local innovation needs, while the internship talent bases broadened opportunities for young people to participate in international collaboration. Keynote presentations, roundtable discussions, on-site Q&A sessions, and exhibitions encouraged mutual learning between scientific research and engineering practice, bringing together collaborative efforts to advance simulation technologies in support of industrial innovation and sustainable development.

As one of the Asia Simulation Federation’s key annual events, the Forum on the Development of Future Simulation Technologies Driven by Artificial Intelligence concluded successfully in Chongqing. Although the event has come to an end, the work continues. From November 13 to 16, the 2026 Global Simulation Conference will set sail in Hangzhou.

Looking ahead, the Asia Simulation Federation will continue to leverage its expertise and international network as a scientific and technological organization. It will further deepen international academic exchange, cooperation on rules and standards, young talent development, and the translation of research outcomes into practical applications. By promoting the deep integration of scientific and technological innovation with industrial innovation, mobilizing innovation resources through open collaboration, and responding to development needs through practical cooperation, the Federation will continue contributing to the shared advancement of science and technology worldwide.