Glimpse into robotic future of home appliances offered at expo in Shanghai

Humanoid robots and artificial intelligence-powered home appliances took center stage at this weekend's Appliance and Electronics World Expo (AWE) in Shanghai, highlighting the potential of AI in consumer products and sparking conversations about the future of household tasks.

Among the major attractions was the Unitree G1, a humanoid robot standing nearly 1.3 meters tall and weighing 35 kilograms. The robot captured significant attention, leading visitors to imagine a future where humanoid robots play a central role in daily life.

"For example, [humanoid robots could] assist with simple outdoor tasks, like picking up takeout or receiving a package. Indoors, it could help with sweeping and mopping," said one audience member, said one audience member, sharing his vision for the future of household robots.

However, experts cautioned that humanoid robots remain focused on "motion performance," with most applications still in research and development. Widespread deployment for household chores is still years away.

"Battery life is a crucial factor, and the most important consideration is price—achieving cost advantages through volume. It may take several years to transition from industrial to domestic environments before robots can effectively assist with tasks like cleaning, folding clothes, and even elderly care," said Zheng Shaojue, head of Consumer Goods Channel Sales at Unitree Robotics.

While humanoid robots are in the early stages of development, AI is rapidly making its way into consumer products. From large appliances like air conditioners to small devices such as smartphones, AI is becoming increasingly integrated into everyday products.

At Huawei's booth, visitors used voice commands to adjust TV settings, while a new "AI movie search" feature allowed users to discover films with minimal clues like plot, characters, or even popular references.

This shift towards AI is driving greater market opportunities, with faster product development and increased production capabilities in the smart home sector.

China's smart home market is projected to reach 952.3 billion yuan (over 131 billion U.S. dollars) this year, with AI applications expected to account for more than 50 percent of the market.

The three-day AWE event wrapped up on Sunday, leaving many eager to see how rapidly smart home products will continue to evolve.

Glimpse into robotic future of home appliances offered at expo in Shanghai

Airstrikes and explosions continued on Sunday, the 23rd day of the U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict, as Iran has warned of broader retaliation if U.S. targets its power facilities.

Explosions were heard in eastern and western Tehran on Sunday night, according to a China Media Group reporter. Footage from the reporter showed that Tehran's air defense system was continuously activating to intercept incoming projectiles.

The reporter also said that the sound of the air defense system in operation was heard in northeastern Tehran on Sunday afternoon.

On Sunday, Iran's primary military command, Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, issued a statement warning that power plants in countries hosting U.S. bases would be considered legitimate targets if the United States attacks Iran's power facilities.

The statement came in response to remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump threatening to target Iran's power infrastructure, according to Iranian state media Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting.

Trump threatened on Saturday to "hit and obliterate" Iranian power plants if the country fails to fully open the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours.

The Strait of Hormuz has not been fully closed and remains under Iran's "smart control," with non-harmful transit continuing under specific regulations to ensure national security and interests, the statement from Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters said.

If U.S. threats are carried out, Iran would immediately adopt several punitive measures, including the full closure of the Strait of Hormuz until damaged Iranian facilities are rebuilt, it said.

Other measures would include large-scale strikes on Israel's power, energy and communications infrastructure, attacks on regional companies with U.S. capital ties, and targeting power facilities in countries hosting U.S. military bases, the statement said, adding that Iran would take "all necessary measures" to defend its national interests.

On Sunday, Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian said the Strait of Hormuz is open to all "except those who violate Iran's territory."

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on Sunday that the Israeli military struck Iranian weapons production and storage facilities.

Iran warns of broader retaliation if U.S. targets its power facilities