Features record-breaking exhibition area, attracting over 740 enterprises

The 2026 World Intelligence Expo kicked off on Thursday morning at the National Convention and Exhibition Center (Tianjin).

Aiming to set a benchmark for the global intelligent sector, the event features a record-breaking exhibition area of 130,000 square meters, attracting over 740 enterprises and institutions, ranging from State-owned enterprises and industry leaders to emerging tech startups.

The unprecedented scale of the expo reflects the nation's accelerating push toward an intelligent economy. Wu Zhaohui, vice-president of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, said during the opening ceremony that artificial intelligence is profoundly transforming human production and lifestyles while continuously driving deep economic and social changes.

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"This year marks the eighth time AI has been included in the Government Work Report, with a continuous focus on the 'AI+' initiative for three consecutive years," Wu said. He explained that the progression from strategic initiation in 2024 to scenario application in 2025, and now the creation of a new smart economy format in 2026, fully demonstrates that China's AI sector has entered a new era of systematic layout and large-scale application.

To showcase these large-scale applications, the expo comprises one comprehensive exhibition area and six themed pavilions, covering core AI technologies, embodied AI, intelligent connected vehicles, the low-altitude economy and commercial aerospace, smart manufacturing and smart living.

A major highlight this year is the debut of an independent pavilion dedicated to embodied AI. Over 80 domestic and foreign companies are showcasing nearly 150 types of robots and related products. A specially designed "Robot Town" offered a comprehensive look at how robots are being integrated into five major scenarios: production, commerce, entertainment, home life and eldercare.

Translating these intelligent capabilities into everyday consumer experiences is another key focus for industry leaders at the event. Yang Yuanqing, chairman and CEO of Lenovo, emphasized the importance of developing emerging industries represented by smart terminals to make AI more practical and accessible.

"Future PCs, smartphones, tablets and even wearable devices like smart glasses and watches will serve as carriers and gateways for personalized super AI, as well as tools for data collection and storage," Yang said.

Deepening its footprint in the host city, Yang revealed that a Lenovo-invested general-purpose server production line is set to begin mass production in Tianjin this September. Furthermore, during the expo, the company signed a new agreement with Tianjin to build next-generation AI infrastructure, with a new production line slated for mass production in autumn 2027.

"Lenovo will work hand in hand with Tianjin to jointly build a new ecosystem for AI computing power and share new opportunities in the AI industry," Yang added.

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Beyond exhibitions and matchmaking events, the expo is also leveraging competitions to drive technological application. Alongside classic events like the Robo-Cup Asia-Pacific Tianjin Invitational Tournament and the International Intelligent Sports Congress, this year introduces new contests such as the Smart Tech Hackathon to further promote the implementation of technological achievements.

As the expo showcases current innovations, it also serves as a critical platform to gather wisdom and envision the future of technology. Ming Dong, vice-president of Tianjin University, highlighted brain-computer interfaces as a critical frontier for the next phase of development.

"In my view, BCI is undoubtedly the most outstanding representative of new quality productive forces," Ming said, adding that BCI has been identified as a crucial future industry in the nation's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30), as this highest form of human-computer interaction comprehensively addresses the frontiers of global science and technology, the needs of social development, overall national security, and people's health and lives.

Contact the writers at renqi@chinadaily.com.cn