New applications of artificial intelligence and robotics technologies have been impressing attendees at the 2026 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, with many Chinese firms winning recognition from global participants.
The four-day show, considered the world's premier annual technology event, is set to conclude Friday after attracting over 4,500 exhibitors from more than 155 countries and regions, according to organizers.
Multiple robotics products have been on display, from industrial-grade humanoids which can play a big role in the future of manufacturing, to home cleaning and companion robots which can bring much needed domestic help to people's homes.
The prevalence of embodied intelligent systems also shows how AI is moving from mere algorithms into practical applications through these robots, which are expected to have a considerable impact on the real world.
Chinese companies are at the forefront of innovation in this field and have a large presence at this year's CES, with the Hangzhou-based Unitree Robotics even setting up a special boxing ring to show off its latest robot that truly packs a punch with its highly-agile maneuverability.
Meanwhile, another less intimidating-looking robot on show is the small, two-wheeled 'Rovar' robot, developed by Sentigent Technology, a tech firm headquartered south China's Shenzhen. The company describes it as the perfect outdoor companion for its ability to navigate various rugged terrains and pick-up and handle items.
The wide variety of Chinese robot products with clearly defined applications has caught eye of many international participants at the Las Vegas show, with one Indian attendee commending the "impressive" job done by Chinese brands and others also hailing the wide range of capabilities these robots offer.
"It's amazing. There's a lot of technology presented here. So, a lot of robots, I saw some of them playing piano, doing laundry. The Panda (robot) is amazing, and some robots [can] fight. And so there's a lot of robots around here," said a French exhibitor.
"China is very much more developed and much more evolved than what people may think. And the robots in China may lead the world someday," said a visitor from Spain.
Since its launch in 1967, the CES has been widely regarded as a barometer of global consumer technology trends. Against a backdrop of economic uncertainty and rapid technological changes, this year's show underscores a clear push toward AI-driven innovation, cross-industry integration, and solutions addressing long-term global needs.
Chinese robot makers gain global attention at top tech show in Las Vegas
The Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) is emerging as a key engine for China's fast-growing low-altitude economy by leveraging its dense industrial networks, efficient logistics systems, and rapid innovation capacity.
From logistics and manufacturing to urban services, the region is building an integrated industrial chain that allows low-altitude industries to scale up at unprecedented speed, thus turning drone-based applications from isolated trials into large-scale, commercial operations.
China's 15th Five-Year Plan, covering 2026 to 2030, calls for the cultivation of new pillar industries and the accelerated development of strategic emerging industrial clusters, including the low-altitude economy.
At a drone operations center in Bao'an District, Shenzhen City in south China's Guangdong Province, a dozen logistics drones take off and land within minutes. Urgently needed production parts, documents, and small parcels are dispatched from here to cities in the province including Dongguan, Zhongshan, and Zhuhai.
Behind these high-flying aircraft lies what observers describe as an "invisible industrial chain", built on speed and efficiency.
"Look at this aircraft. About 90 percent of its components come from nearby areas. Relying on Shenzhen's strong logistics capabilities and its complete supply chain, these parts can be delivered to our factory within half an hour for assembly, processing, and production," said Li Kunhuang, person-in-charge of Shenzhen GODO Innovation Technology Co., Ltd.
Once a new product is unveiled, testing and calibration begin immediately at the drone testing field. As soon as the process is completed, the new models can be put into real-world operation, realizing almost “zero delay” from research and development to application.
Supported by a robust industrial chain, low-altitude routes in Shenzhen are effectively connecting the urban landscape. From its Bao'an District to Songshan Lake in Dongguan City, production components can be delivered within one hour. Supplies are transported between Zhuhai City's Xiangzhou Port to Dong'ao Island in just 25 minutes. And light industrial goods can travel round-trip within a single day between Guzhen Town in Zhongshan City and Xinhui District in Jiangmen City.
More low-altitude application scenarios are expected to be implemented in the near future.
In Qianhai District, Shenzhen is accelerating the construction of a pilot demonstration zone of low-altitude integrated three-dimensional transportation hub.
"We have built the country's first low-altitude integrated three-dimensional transportation hub, and are gradually developing a pilot flight zone that integrates multiple scenarios such as inspection, logistics, and cultural tourism. This will provide technical support for the next step of commercializing cross-border logistics and emergency rescue services across the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area," said Wu Xuemin, head of the Shenzhen Qianhai Low-Altitude Integrated Three-Dimensional Transportation Hub Pilot Demonstration Zone.
Integrated supply chains propel Greater Bay Area's low-altitude economy growth
Integrated supply chains propel Greater Bay Area's low-altitude economy growth
