China Media Group on Friday released the top 10 AI trends for 2026 in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and several institutions.
The Top 10 AI trends for 2026 are as follows:
1. Globalization of AI governance Inclusive sharing of AI benefits has become a core issue on the global development agenda.
2. Scaling of intelligent computing power The supply of key industrial elements will be further strengthened as intelligent computing power expands to meet the massive demands.
3. Mainstreaming of AI applications AI agents will move from experimental stages into widespread real-world use, becoming deeply embedded in daily life and industrial scenarios.
4. Practicalization of multimodal AI AI technology will evolve from a specialized tool into a versatile, multi-modal partner.
5. Proliferation of native AI terminal hardware A new generation of AI terminals will integrate seamlessly with immersive consumer experiences.
6. Embodiment of AI Intelligence The integration of "Physical AI" and "Embodied Intelligence" will drive deep interaction between robots and the real world.
7. Specialization and deepening in professional fields "AI for Science" is set to produce groundbreaking discoveries in basic disciplines.
8. Convergence of frontier disciplines Innovation will accelerate through the convergence of brain-inspired intelligence and other interdisciplinary fields.
9. Prominence of energy challenges As the energy consumption becomes a prominent challenge, the development of sustainable and "Green AI" technologies will gain significant global attention.
10. Intensification of safety and adversarial dynamics An intensifying battle for safety and governance will be crucial to safeguard all this progress.
China Media Group unveils top 10 AI trends for 2026
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
