• CN: 11-2187/TH
  • ISSN: 0577-6686

Journal of Mechanical Engineering ›› 2026, Vol. 62 ›› Issue (15): 24-51.doi: 10.3901/JME.260292

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Classification and Application of Large, Small, and Micro AI Models in Advanced Manufacturing

SONG Xueguan1,2, ZHU Hongyu1,2, WANG Muchen1,2, PANG Yong1,2, ZHANG Shuai3, YANG Liangliang4, HE Xiwang1,2, KAN Ziyun1,2   

  1. 1. School of Mechanical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024;
    2. State Key Laboratory of High-performance Precision Manufacturing, Dalian 116024;
    3. School of Mechanical Engineering, Shijiazhuang Tiedao University, Shijiazhuang 050043;
    4. School of Mechanical Engineering, Northeast Electric Power University, Jilin 132012
  • Received:2025-12-07 Revised:2026-04-13 Published:2026-10-13

Abstract: As a key indicator for measuring a country’s scientific and technological development level, advanced manufacturing is closely linked to national economic growth and national defense security, and exerts a profound impact on a country’s standing in global competition. With the widespread application of large language models such as DeepSeek, artificial intelligence technology is driving profound transformations across various industries at an unprecedented pace. Given the absence of explicit model classification criteria in the field of advanced manufacturing, a parameter-scale-based classification method for artificial intelligence models in the manufacturing industry (i.e., large, small, and micro models) from the perspective of model parameters is proposed, drawing on the classification methodologies in the computer field. This effort is intended to deepen the understanding of such technologies. Based on this framework, then a systematic literature review and investigation into the research and application of large is conducted, small, and micro AI models across the four core manufacturing processes: engineering materials, design optimization, processing and assembly, and operation and maintenance, while elaborating on the latest development trends. Subsequently, the technical bottlenecks in the empowerment of advanced manufacturing by artificial intelligence are discussed. Finally, this study summarizes and prospects the main development directions for the integration of artificial intelligence technology and advanced manufacturing in the future.

Key words: artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, large models, small models, micro models, model classification

CLC Number: