TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Industrial Technology Research Institute announced six Elite Award winners on Wednesday, recognizing innovations from AI-powered store analytics to advanced low-emission welding technologies.
ITRI President Liu Wen-hsiung (劉文雄) said that these achievements align with global trends in sustainability and digital transformation, per CNA. He said ITRI is helping local industries move toward smart upgrades in line with its 2035 technology strategy.
The winners are as follows:
1. AI-Driven Smart Retail Services
ITRI created an integrated smart retail platform that transforms store planning and delivery. Anchored by its “AI solution hub,” the technology enables automated store layout, product placement, and smarter inventory systems.
It supports more than 50 brands, including FamilyMart, boosting efficiency and customer experience. The system has generated over NT$300 million (US$10.4 million) in revenue and won multiple international awards, including the 2021 Edison Gold Award.
2. Predictive Diagnostic Technology and Services
This maintenance solution combines AI algorithms with three decades of mechanical data, providing three key capabilities: real-time monitoring, equipment life prediction, and fault detection. It acts like an always-on engineer, helping companies prevent breakdowns and reduce costs.
Already deployed in six industries, including semiconductors and metal processing, it has shipped more than 1,500 systems to 200-plus firms. Notably, it helped a leading vacuum equipment maker prevent wafer scrap and lift revenue by more than 20%.
3. Smart Aqua Leak Finder
This AI-powered leak detection system analyzes underground acoustic signals in real time to quickly and precisely identify leaks, with an accuracy rate of 98%. Working with Taiwan Water Corporation, it has already pinpointed 834 leak sites, saving over 10 million tonnes of water each year.
Beyond water pipelines, the system is also suitable for monitoring oil and gas infrastructure. ITRI plans further field tests to scale this technology globally, addressing water scarcity and energy facility challenges. The project won gold at the 2025 Edison Awards.
4. Low-Power Edge Recognition Technology
ITRI engineers developed a next-generation AI chip architecture using computing-in-memory (CIM) to break energy bottlenecks in AI computing. Operating stably at ultra-low voltages down to 0.3 volts, the system delivers over 10 times the energy savings.
By processing data directly in memory, it cuts transfer energy and supports parallel computing. The solution is promising for drones and robots, where power constraints and rapid response are critical.
5. Precision Ethylene Polymerization Technology
To strengthen Taiwan’s domestic supply of high-value ethylene materials, ITRI developed three advanced catalyst systems that raise conversion rates, improve material elasticity, and reduce corrosion risk.
These systems can produce high-strength polyethylene for applications in green energy cables, robotics, automotive bumpers, and semiconductors. Partnering with local petrochemical firms, ITRI is accelerating mass production to build a more competitive and self-reliant supply chain.
6. Low-Carbon Laser Welding for H-Beam Steel
Targeting carbon reduction in steel construction, ITRI and Photronics Taiwan developed a laser welding process that replaces traditional welding with a digital twin and smart sensing. The result is a fully automated, low-carbon method that increases production fivefold and slashes carbon emissions by 88%.
Already mass-produced for more than 2,000 metric tons of steel, the technology also earned a silver award at the 2025 Edison Awards, underscoring its potential to transform sustainable building practices.
