On 13 May 2026, the highly anticipated China International ITS Industry Expo 2026 (CITSE 2026) officially opened at the Xiamen International Conference & Exhibition Center. Co-organised by the China Intelligent Transportation Systems Association and Xiamen Convention & Exhibition Group, the expo was themed "Focusing on Industrial Innovation and Transformation, Empowering the Ecosystem for Going Global". 

The event attracted professional visitors from over 30 countries and regions, along with more than 200 leading enterprises, universities, and research institutions in the intelligent transportation sector.

At this global gathering, Prof. Zhengbing He from the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at the University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC) led a delegation to showcase the Faculty's cutting-edge research output and strong academic capabilities in intelligent transportation, power electronics, and electrical machine drives.

FoSE research strengths on display, cutting-edge achievements draw widespread attention

At the expo, FoSE presented its research platforms and academic achievements to visitors through comprehensive promotional materials and detailed data. As an international university with three campuses in the UK, China, and Malaysia, UNNC has established 6 research centres, 1 national-level international science and technology cooperation base, 2 provincial-level international joint laboratories, 2 provincial key laboratories, and 5 municipal-level research platforms including the Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Research Centre for Aviation Electrification Technology. The FoSE brings together 176 researchers from 28 countries and regions, with 24 listed on Stanford University's "World's Top 2% Scientists" ranking and 4 disciplines ranked in the top 1% of ESI globally. On site, the Power Electronics, Machines and Control (PEMC) research group showcased cutting-edge research outcomes and advanced testing equipment in aviation, automotive, marine, and industrial motor drive applications, covering core technologies such as high power-density aviation generators, high-efficiency traction motors for electric vehicles, ultra-efficient industrial synchronous reluctance motor drive systems, and silicon carbide inverters — demonstrating the team's profound research capabilities and industrialisation potential, and attracting significant attention from participating enterprises and institutions.

On the morning of 14 May, the Closed-door Seminar on "Big Data Empowering Transportation Innovation" was held in Meeting Room 302, 3rd Floor, Hall C of the Xiamen International Conference & Exhibition Center. The seminar brought together experts and scholars from Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Africa for in-depth discussions on two core topics: the restructuring of logistics and supply chains in the AI era, and the globalisation wave of Chinese electric vehicles, with emphasis on clean energy, data sharing, and global collaboration. Prof. He served as the seminar chair, engaging in productive exchanges and discussions with guests from government, industry, academia, and research, including representatives from the Research Institute of Highway of the Ministry of Transport, Geely Auto, Li Auto, Xiamen King Long, FAW Group, CATARC, China Automotive Engineering Research Institute, Beihang University, Neolix, Zhongsheng Group, Seres Group, AXA Tianping Property Insurance, and Generali China Insurance, on how big data and artificial intelligence can empower innovation in the transportation industry. Participants shared a common belief that in the AI era, data sharing is becoming especially important for all countries, and that the future of mobility and sustainability requires truly international cooperation. China's openness and practical experience in intelligent transportation were widely recognised as providing valuable references for global collaboration.

The participation in CITSE 2026 represents an important step by the FoSE in actively responding to the national strategy for scientific and technological innovation and promoting the translation of research outcomes. Looking ahead, the FoSE will continue to leverage its world-class research platforms and international academic staff to deepen the integration of industry, academia, research, and application, contributing more "Nottingham Wisdom" to the development of the global intelligent transportation and advanced equipment manufacturing industries.