In recent years, the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence technology has led to the emergence of many legged walking robots. Based on current robot products in Europe, America, and China, we have summarized the constituent elements of the new generation of robots (AI Robots), particularly humanoid robots, as shown in Figure 1. Compared to industrial robots, humanoid robots possess a more advanced and complex perception and interaction system, including sensing modules and related software (navigation technology, intelligent decision-making, etc.). They also require greater focus on balance compared to common service robots. Regular service robots have a chassis and use wheeled drives, so falling is less of an issue. Flexible and agile humanoid robots walk on two legs, need to adapt to different surfaces, experience more complex forces at each joint, and require faster response speeds from reducers and motors.

In 2024, the global economy continued to face challenges from geopolitics, regional wars, and financial turmoil, leaving the machine tool industry in an uneasy environment. Furthermore, factors such as government controls on exports to Russia and Turkey, the yen's depreciation exceeding that of the New Taiwan Dollar, and the gradual unfolding of the effects of China's Ministry of Commerce suspending the ECFA early harvest list contributed to a third consecutive year of decline in both export and production value, further complicating the industry's future development.

If 2024 can be described as a major election year, then 2025 will be a year of transition. In early 2024, governments around the world successively elected new leaders who, upon taking office, immediately faced severe economic, social, security, environmental, and technological challenges. While these issues could have been addressed one by one in the past, their simultaneous emergence amidst a turbulent geopolitical landscape has multiplied their complexity. Looking back, the previous golden age of trade appears to have ended. In 2023, global trade in goods contracted by approximately 2%, a higher rate of decline than any other period in this century outside of global economic recessions, making current supply chain management even more challenging. Major shipping routes, from the Red Sea to the Baltic Sea, have descended into chaos, while tensions in Northeast Asia, across the Taiwan Strait, and in the South China Sea have gradually escalated, introducing greater uncertainty into shipping and logistics.

This article explores practical applications of lightweight design for green machine tools in response to global carbon policies and ISO 14955 standards. By integrating structural geometry optimization, topology optimization, and manufacturing direction constraints, it achieves lightweight yet high-stiffness designs to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. The study also introduces composite-metal hybrid structures to enhance rigidity and damping while reducing weight and energy use. These innovations aim to accelerate the green transformation of the machine tool industry and strengthen its global competitiveness.

Trump’s return to the White House will heighten global political and economic uncertainty. He is expected to adopt a tougher stance on China, reduce Indo-Pacific military engagement, and favor bilateral deals. Trade wars may escalate, with sweeping tariff hikes impacting China, the EU, and Southeast Asian supply chains. Vietnam benefits from manufacturing shifts but faces risks from its trade surplus. Businesses must enhance geopolitical agility, develop early-warning indicators, and implement contingency plans to maintain operational resilience.

This article explores the current status and future trends of AI applications in machine tools and components. AI enhances machining precision, reduces costs, predicts maintenance, and drives smart manufacturing, green production, and customized services. Global and domestic companies have launched AI solutions such as digital twins, edge computing, generative AI, and predictive diagnostics. Looking ahead, AI will accelerate smart factory implementation, industrial IoT integration, and new business models. Companies should strengthen data analytics, collaborate on R&D, develop AI talent, and promote market education to seize opportunities in intelligent manufacturing.

The EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) mandates large companies to conduct human rights and environmental due diligence across global supply chains and develop climate transition plans. Effective in 2024, it must be transposed into national law by 2026, with phased implementation from 2027 to 2029. Non-compliance may incur fines up to 5% of global turnover. Companies must integrate risk management, establish grievance mechanisms, and publish annual reports. Although SMEs are not directly regulated, they will face indirect pressure and should prepare early.

Global manufacturing value chains are being reshaped by geopolitical tensions, climate change, technological advances, and conflicts. Nations are prioritizing resilient supply chains, reducing reliance on single sources, and promoting domestic semiconductor and EV industries through policies and subsidies. The U.S. and Europe are investing heavily in chip production, while China strengthens R&D and dominates the EV value chain. Going forward, supply chain diversification and strategic industry competition will continue to redefine the global economic landscape.