With the deepening development of a new round of global technological revolution and industrial transformation, the new generation of information technology is constantly breaking through. At the same time, the international environment is becoming increasingly complex, and competition in technology and industry is becoming more intense. Currently, China has shifted to a stage of high-quality development and is in a critical period of transforming its development mode, optimizing its economic structure, and transforming its growth momentum. As an important manufacturing province in China, Shandong has a complete range of industries and a complete structure. However, there are also constraints such as outdated traditional industries, surplus low-end manufacturing, and insufficient technological innovation. Therefore, promoting the digital and intelligent transformation and upgrading of the manufacturing industry has become an inevitable choice for industrial development. This article studies the current situation and practical difficulties of industrial intelligence empowering the development of the manufacturing industry, explores paths suitable for the upgrading of Shandong's manufacturing industry, and has certain reference value for promoting the intelligent transformation and highquality development of Shandong's manufacturing industry, and accelerating the construction of an advanced manufacturing strong province.