Shanghai appliance expo offers glimpse into robot-assisted lifestyle of tomorrow

The 2025 Appliance and Electronics World Expo (AWE) in Shanghai is showcasing a future where robots and intelligent appliances transform daily life.

With the theme of "AI Technology, AI Life," this year's AWE provides a comprehensive look at artificial intelligence (AI)-powered smart living and the latest innovations in home appliances and consumer electronics, featuring more than 1,000 leading global companies.

From humanoid robots that are able to fold clothes and clean homes to exoskeletons that can assist the elderly and pet companions that offer emotional support, the event highlights how technology is addressing both people's practical needs and adapting to social changes.

Many robots on display are designed to integrate seamlessly into household routines, performing tasks like laundry and tidying up. Advanced vacuum cleaners now come with robotic arms that can pick up trash and navigate around obstacles, while laundry assistants can sort clothes by color and fabric type, automating the entire washing process.

Pet owners are catered to with interactive companion robots and smart pet care ecosystems that include feeders, air-purifying dens, and specialized washing machines.

The expo also focuses on solutions for an aging population, with exoskeleton robots assisting with mobility and smart beds monitoring human vital signs.

"We've developed a range of solutions targeting key living scenarios that the elderly often encounter, such as in bathrooms, sleeping areas, and mobility zones. These one-stop renovation solutions can also benefit from subsidies according to local government policies," said Liu Chengli, an exhibitor.

Another exhibitor shared their floor-sweeping robot that has taken on a new form.

"The latest robotic arm features five degrees of freedom and can lift up to 500 grams. It can automatically go to the accessory box and clean out every nook and cranny on its own," said Meng Jia, the robot's exhibitor.

In addition, healthy and green products are another highlight of this expo. One company has reduced the size of central water purifiers and softeners to one-third of the traditional models. With an easy installation process, old residential communities can get a whole-house water purification system without large-scale construction.

This year's expo started on Thursday and lasts until Sunday.

Shanghai appliance expo offers glimpse into robot-assisted lifestyle of tomorrow

U.S. equities retreated on Tuesday as the fourth-quarter earnings season commenced with disappointing results from a major banking institution, overshadowed by ongoing policy debates and fresh inflation data.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 398.21 points, or 0.8 percent, to 49,191.99. The Standard and Poor's 500 fell 13.53 points, or 0.19 percent, to 6,963.74, and the Nasdaq Composite Index lost 24.03 points, or 0.1 percent, to 23,709.87.

The financial sector led the session's decline. JPMorgan Chase, the nation's largest lender, reported quarterly earnings that fell short of expectations, impacted by a 2.2 billion U.S. dollar hit related to its Apple Card partnership. Shares of JPMorgan plummeted 4.19 percent, while Goldman Sachs followed with a 1.2 percent decline.

The banking industry's performance faced further pressure from continued scrutiny of U.S. President Donald Trump's proposal to cap credit card interest rates at 10 percent. JPMorgan CFO Jeremy Barnum signaled potential industry resistance to the plan, which was put forward late last week.

Conversely, the energy and consumer staples sectors bucked the downward trend, gaining 1.53 percent and 1.08 percent, respectively. Seven of the 11 primary Standard and Poor's 500 sectors ended the day in positive territory despite the losses in the major indices.

On the economic front, the Bureau of Labor Statistics' consumer price index report showed that inflation in the United States remained steady in December 2025. The headline annual rate remained at 2.7 percent, while core inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy costs, rose 2.6 percent over the previous year. This core figure represents the lowest annual increase since early 2021.

According to the CME FedWatch Tool, the steady inflation and cooling labor market have led traders to expect the Federal Reserve to maintain interest rates at its upcoming meeting at the end of January, with the first of two projected rate cuts anticipated in June.

U.S. stocks close lower as earnings season kicks off