China AI Transport Action Plan Advances Intelligent Driving Innovation

The China AI Transport Action Plan has been introduced to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence across the country's transportation ecosystem. According to information published on June 25 by the official website of the China Ministry of Transport (MOT), the ministry, working alongside the National Railway Administration and several other government departments, has jointly released the Action Plan for Innovation in Representative Application Scenarios of "AI + Transport." The initiative targets ten priority areas, including intelligent driving and intelligent mobility services, with the objective of expanding both the scale and sophistication of AI deployment throughout the transport sector.

AI Development Priorities for Intelligent Transport

The Action Plan establishes a roadmap for advancing artificial intelligence technologies across multiple transportation domains. It emphasizes research, testing, validation, and deployment activities designed to strengthen AI capabilities while supporting practical implementation. The initiative seeks to encourage innovation in intelligent mobility, logistics, freight operations, and postal services by integrating advanced AI technologies into real-world transport applications. Through coordinated efforts among government agencies, the plan aims to accelerate the digital transformation of transportation infrastructure while promoting efficient, intelligent, and scalable transport solutions.

Intelligent Driving Research and Validation

One of the plan's primary priorities is intelligent driving. Authorities will conduct research and testing of end-to-end large models designed for intelligent driving applications. Development activities will cover a variety of operating environments, including highway freight transportation, industrial park logistics, and short-distance shuttle services. The initiative also calls for the development and validation of intelligent evaluation and testing technologies while exploring the establishment of a virtual-physical integrated intelligent proving ground. Particular attention will be given to trunk-line transportation of bulk cargo, where integrated intelligent driving technologies will undergo pilot validation.

Expansion of AI Across Logistics and Freight

Beyond autonomous driving technologies, the Action Plan outlines broader AI adoption across postal operations and freight transportation. The objective is to improve operational efficiency by introducing intelligent automation into key logistics processes while supporting increasingly complex transport requirements across multiple sectors.

• Research and development of automated warehousing technologies.
• Advancement of unmanned delivery systems for postal and express services.
• AI integration into bulk cargo transportation.
• Expansion of intelligent solutions for cold-chain transport.
• Deployment of AI technologies for hazardous goods transportation.

Representative AI Transport Scenarios

In parallel with the policy framework, the MOT has identified the first batch of 41 representative "AI + Transport" application scenarios that will serve as demonstration projects for future deployment. These representative use cases are intended to validate artificial intelligence technologies across diverse transport environments and provide practical experience for wider implementation. According to the announcement, execution of these initial application scenarios is scheduled to begin in 2026, marking the next phase of China's strategy to accelerate AI adoption throughout its transportation industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the China AI Transport Action Plan?
The China AI Transport Action Plan is a government initiative designed to expand artificial intelligence applications across transportation through coordinated research, testing, validation, and deployment in multiple transport sectors. The plan focuses on ten priority areas, including intelligent driving, intelligent mobility services, freight transportation, and postal operations. It is jointly issued by the China Ministry of Transport, the National Railway Administration, and other government departments to accelerate AI adoption and support practical implementation beginning with representative pilot projects.

Which transport sectors are covered under the Action Plan?
The initiative covers intelligent driving, postal services, freight transportation, logistics operations, and mobility services while promoting AI deployment in diverse transportation environments. Specific focus areas include highway freight, industrial park logistics, short-distance shuttle services, automated warehousing, unmanned delivery, bulk cargo transportation, cold-chain logistics, and hazardous goods transport. These application areas are intended to demonstrate how artificial intelligence can improve operational efficiency, testing capabilities, and intelligent transport infrastructure.

When will the first AI transport pilot projects begin?
The first group of representative AI transport application scenarios is scheduled to begin implementation during 2026 as outlined by the Ministry of Transport. A total of 41 representative "AI + Transport" scenarios have been selected for the initial phase. These pilot projects are expected to validate intelligent transportation technologies across multiple operational settings while providing practical experience that supports future expansion of AI-enabled transport solutions throughout the country.