The committee said this year's event added an AI track to respond to the global AI trend. For example, a team from Zhejiang Polytechnic University of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering used AI to let their robots spot production errors and adjust assembly actions on their own, which boosted the quality and efficiency of making precision parts.

"The AI track allows us to turn classroom knowledge into practical application and learn from vocational students," a student from Jiangsu Tianyi High School said.

"This competition has successfully transformed from a 'domestic brand' into an 'international platform', building a broad stage for global youth to achieve personal success through skills and to benefit the world with their technical capabilities," Huai Jinpeng, minister of education of the People's Republic of China, said.

Liu Yuanqing contributed to this story.