3M releases annual insight report on forward trends

On May 19th, 3M officially released its 2023 Insight Report on Forward Trends at its China R&D Center in Shanghai, and launched the 3M on-site extrusion VHB tape customized automated bonding system and 3M Finesse-it robot automated paint repair system.

The report focuses on three major trends: climate change and resource shortage, population and social change, and integration of digital and physical worlds, revealing how applied materials science can promote economic and social progress. The report gathers the practical experience and innovative achievements of 3M scientists, engineers, and experts in their respective fields.

The report points out that currently, the rapid development of the global economy and the continuous reduction of natural resources have caused environmental damage and climate change. To protect humanity, the economy, and ecosystems from threats, it is necessary to rely on the cohesion of all sectors of society. In addition, the rapid development of software, sensors, artificial intelligence, and human-machine interfaces has brought unprecedented development opportunities to the world, and more and more people are embracing the digital wave with open arms.

Ding Hongyu, Senior Vice President of 3M Global and President of China, introduced: "3M technology is promoting the seamless interconnection between the digital and the physical world, so that more people can benefit from the Digital transformation in their work, life and entertainment. At present, we are fully promoting the digital upgrading of factories, accelerating the design and R&D of materials and components matching digital solutions, enabling local consumers and customers to improve quality and efficiency, and contributing new ideas and solutions to the development of China's digital economy."